Warner Robins Jody Town celebrates 5-year anniversary of historical marker

WARNER ROBINS — Jody Town. Past, present and future came together Aug. 1 at Memorial Park to celebrate, remember and honor one of Warner Robins’ oldest, and proudest, legacies.

“The history that we know, happily it will not be forgotten because you are what Jody Town was and the reason it had to exist,” said Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick to open the event. “Thank you for all you’ve done to get us from Jody Town to all the places we have gone. I stand on the shoulders for many who stand and sit in the space here.

“Thank you for seeing fit to keep the history alive,” she continued. “Because if you don’t tell the stories, we can’t continue to share them from generation to generation. So, thank you to each of you.”

In addition to recognizing the members of the Jody Town committee, Patrick also read a proclamation.

Jody Town was established in 1941 as part of a U.S. War Department effort to transform the small farming town of Wellston into the Warner Robins Army Air Depot at Robins Field and to support maintenance and supply depot functions.

The town was built across from the railroad tracks, “specifically,” said Jody Town committee chair Shirlyn Johnson-Granville, who said she is currently working on the second part of a book on its people and its history, “so the workers could walk from the neighborhood to get to the base to build the base.

“In other words, they came from all across the south. They did the excavation. They did all the handiwork. They did the carpentry. They did the brick and masonry. And then once they helped build the base, then the airmen started coming, of course, bringing their families.

“And then the Purdue and Lord and Carter families sold the actual lots to our parents and grandparents. And we went and got the deeds from the city so we could prove that they actually bought those homes.

“So, that’s why we’re excited, because, you know, this was home ownership. And that was a biggie for local people that had just been sharecroppers in 1943.”

Johnson-Granville went on to add that Jody Town was not the first neighborhood. That, she said, belonged to the “Wilson’s” and added that it had been around since the 1800s. “But,” she went on, “our piece is that we were the only neighborhood built specifically to support Robins Air Force Base.”

Covid got the best of their last attempt at a reunion, but this past weekend: “They’re here. The families. All their ancestors, those who own their own business. These are the children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

“So, we’re just excited to have everybody come back.”

Jody Town proclamation

“Whereas The Jody Town Community Fifth Reunion and Historical Marker Celebration Day 2026 will be held today, Saturday, August 1st, 2026 at Memorial Park in Warner Robins, Georgia, bringing together former residents, their descendants, friends and supporters to celebrate our shared heritage. 

“Whereas Jody Town was a vibrant African American community. whose residents made meaningful contributions to the growth and development of Warner Robins and the establishment of what is now Robins Air Force Base. 

“And whereas this reunion serves as an opportunity to honor the memories of families who called Jody Town home, preserve the community’s history and pay tribute to the generations whose legacy continues to inspire others. 

“And whereas the celebration also recognizes the efforts of former residents and community leaders whose dedication resulted in the placement of a Georgia Historical Society marker commemorating the significance of Jody Town and its enduring impact on the region. 

“And whereas the reunion pays tribute to the Robins Jets, whose athletic achievements and leadership helped shape local recreation and created opportunities for future generations of athletes. 

“And whereas under the theme ‘The love for a shared community,’ the Jody Town Community Reunion Planning Committee continues to foster fellowship, remembrance and community pride while ensuring that the story of Jody Town remains an important part of Warner Robins history. 

“And now therefore be it proclaimed by me, LaRhonda Patrick, as mayor of Warner Robins and my six city council members who I call my brothers and the citizens of our great city, we do hereby proclaim August 1st, 2026, officially as Jody Town Community Reunion and Historical Marker Celebration Day in the City of Warner Robins.”