Todd Edwin Jessup

Mr. Todd Edwin Jessup, 58, of Mount Airy, a loving husband, father, son, and brother, passed away Wednesday afternoon, February 3, 2021, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem.  Mr. Jessup was born March 20, 1962, in Surry County, the oldest of three sons born to the Rev. Buford Edwin and Shirley Martin Jessup.  Todd graduated from Mount Airy High School in 1980, and he later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Lees-McRae College.  Todd taught one year in Surry County Schools and 13 years in Mount Airy City Schools.  His love of music and radio landed him at WSYD at the age of 16 as a DJ.  Known to his listeners as “TJ the DJ,” Todd hosted the “oldies show” each Saturday morning at 7:30 AM.  In 2017, Todd joined his father, Buford, at Jessup Auto Sales.  He was a faithful Christian and a member of Unity Church.  His family and friends will remember him most by his gentle spirit and big, warm smile, as he could truly light up a room.  He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Lavonda Hensley Jessup of the home; a daughter, Olivia Nikole Jessup of Mount Airy; a son, Michael Todd Jessup of the home; his parents, the Rev. Buford Edwin and Shirley Martin Jessup of Mount Airy; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Dr. Tracy C. and Teresa Jessup of Shelby and Chaplain Trent and Paige Jessup of Mount Airy; his nieces and nephews, Christian and Megan Jessup, Anna Jessup, Aurora Jessup, and Gabriel Jessup; and his father-in-law, John Walter Hensley of Mount Airy.  A graveside service will be held Monday, February 8, 2021, at 2:00 PM at Unity Church Cemetery, with Dr. Tracy C. Jessup and Chaplain Trent Jessup officiating.  No formal visitation will be held; however, family and friends may pay their respects on Sunday from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM and on Monday from 7:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy.  Due to public health concerns, attendees are requested to wear a face mask and practice social distancing.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, Memorial Bible Program, P.O. Box 1032, Mount Airy, NC  27030; or the Unity Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Patricia Anderson, 358 Mears Road, Claudville, VA  24076.