Monica D. Cody

On September 20, 1967, Shirley Head and Jimmie Bradford welcomed Monica Cody into the world in Nashville, Tennessee. Monica grew to be a devoted, protective, and loving mother to two children, and the center of her world, Brandon Holt and Brianna Baker.


Monica graduated from White’s Creek High School, where she was an unrivaled star in track and field. She competed with the White’s Creek track team and the Continental T-Belle’s Track Club. She then matriculated at Tennessee State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration. She began her accounting career at the United Parcel Service and then spent over a decade in the Tax Department at Lifeway Christian Resources.


Monica was a woman of deep and unwavering faith, which was cultivated as a child at Meharry Blvd. Church of God. She was taken to church every Sunday by her mother and grandmother, Dessie Foster, who transitioned from this life in April 2017. This was also a tradition in which she was sure to raise her children. Monica became active in the church as an usher, eventually leading the youth usher program and children’s choir. She later joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in 2010, where she was welcomed into a vibrant faith family. She quickly sought opportunities to deepen her involvement with the church and make an impact in the larger Nashville community. She served in the Outreach Ministry, working with the Mt. Zion Picnic, back to school drive, and Thanksgiving feeding projects.


In Spring 2018, Monica enthusiastically became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was initiated into the Sorority through the Nashville Alumnae Chapter. She was lovingly known by her Sisters of the 100 F.L.A.M.E.S. of Fortitude as “Mother Love.” She found sustaining sisterhood and community through the Sorority, and she was involved in its various committees, including the Red Alert and Social Action Committees.


Monica was an incredibly active woman. She enjoyed yoga, pilates, zumba, and competing in multiple 5K races (which was an exciting accomplishment for the former sprinter). Even during her fading health, she took up mediation and mindfulness practices to maintain a wellness routine.


Monica will be remembered by those she touched for her loving, courageous, generous, encouraging, and ambitious spirit. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Brandon Holt and Brianna Baker; mother, Shirley Head; father, Jimmie Bradford; brothers, Greg Bradford and Vincent Bradford; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.


Public Viewing Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 12:00pm-6:00pm at Highland Hills Funeral Home, 2422 Brick Church Pike. (Family present from 3:00pm -6:00 pm). A visitation Friday, September 17, 2021 from 10am-11am will be followed by A Celebration of Life Service at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2261 Murfreesboro Pike, with Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III, Eulogist. For additional information, please call Highland Hills Funeral Home at 615-650-5555.