Jody Rayfield Corso

Jody Corso - of Spartanburg, SC, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2024 with her son Dr. Steven Corso at her bedside holding her hand as she slipped from this world into the next. She was 94. Jody had a deep faith, hope, and anticipation of meeting the Lord face to face, and reuniting with her husband of 63 years, Bill Corso, who preceded her in death on February 19, 2022.

 Jody was born on January 19, 1930 and was one of ten children, the daughter of Charley E. Rayfield and Ora Mae Waller Rayfield of McCloud, OK. Having six sisters and three brothers, she is survived by the one sister, Jeanie Herrscraft, of Carpinteria, CA

Jody, met Bill on a blind date; and not one to wait around once she had her mind set on something, after a short courtship, she ‘inspired’ Bill to make a decision regarding their future, and fortunately for him, he took the hint and told her to meet him in Las Vegas where they were married on January 31, 1959.

She knew full well that the idea of setting down roots to raise a family in one location would not be a part of her life given her husband was a dentist and a military officer in the U.S. Army. She faithfully committed to supporting him in his career which began in California and would take her and their family of three sons to various Army bases around the country, along with two separate tours in Europe over a span of 28 years before finally settling in Spartanburg, SC

She is survived by her three sons and their wives – Tony and Kathy Corso, of San Bruno, CA; Dr. Steven and Mary Alice Corso of Spartanburg, SC; and John and Suzanne Corso of Birmingham, AL.

Jody would tell you her greatest role during those years of traveling was that of being mother of and raising her three sons. She always was good to ‘rally the troops’ every time a new move to another base came up, doing her best to put a positive spin on the new adventure, even though it meant leaving good friends behind. She also made sure that her family took full advantage of the opportunity to travel while living in both Germany and Italy. Being buried with her are three, very old and worn cowboy hats that her sons wore many years ago in which she was unwilling to ever part with.

Jody knew at some point in her future, she would eventually welcome grandchildren in to her life as well, but when that day came, the title of ‘Grams’ would have to wait a little bit longer as she was not quite sure it ‘fit’ her, so she encouraged her first two granddaughters to just call her ‘Jody’.

Surviving grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Lisa and husband ,Edward Mario, along with twin grandsons Addison and Nolan; and Melinda Corso and fiancé, David Bulfin, and Caralyn Corso and fiancé Austin Verdi; Dr. Michael and wife, Catherine Corso along with daughter Charlotte, grandson David Corso and fiancé, Angie Halsmer, and Matthew and wife, Hannah Corso along with son Pierce; and Andrew Corso and Elizabeth Corso.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, June 29th at 10:00 AM at Jesus Our Risen Savior Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Heritage Memorial Gardens.

The four grandsons and three sons will serve as pallbearers.

In remembrance of Jody, memorials may be made to Jesus Our Risen Savior Catholic Church, 2575 Reidville Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29301