Mary P. Hodge 1932-2024

Mrs. Hodge was born Feb. 24, 1932, in Butler, Georgia, a daughter of Jack and Beatrice Smith Johnson, coming to the Youngstown area in 1952. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and loyal friend. Mrs. Hodge married James Hodge in 1982.

Mrs. Hodge was employed by various nursing homes in the area and retired after 10 years from Sears Department Store. She was a lifelong member of Third Baptist Church, where she served as a member of the Senior Usher Board, The Adult Ensemble and the Tribe of Benjamin.

She leaves to cherish her life, her legacy and rejoice in her peace, her daughter, Gardenia Johnson-Persons of Columbus; her granddaughter, Myellia Studymine of Youngstown; four grandsons, Terrance and Teddy Persons, and Gerald Jones, all of Columbus, and Tony Jones Sr., who was also her caregiver, of Youngstown; seven great-granddaughters, Adriane, Adrianna and Ayris Jones, Mioma Gore, all of Youngstown, Leslie Jones, Shamari and Trinity Persons, all of Columbus; a great-grandson, Tony Jones Jr. of Youngstown; five great-great-grandchildren, Aliana and Alani Sanchez, Aleena and Ameena Gore, all of Youngstown, and a baby boy on the way; a sister, Martha Johnson Groome; nephews, Will Johnson and Lionell Nelson; nieces, Veronica Groome and Denise Johnson. She will also be remembered by special friends, Earlis Mack, Pearl Jones, Lovie Mickel and Victor Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family, church family and friends.

Mrs. Hodge was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James, who passed away Oct. 9, 1986; daughter, Mioma Patricia Jones; son, Charles Dewey Hill; brothers, William Thomas and Charlie Johnson; and nephew, John Johnson.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at Third Baptist Church, 1177 Park Hill Drive. A celebration of life will follow at noon Friday, at the church. Guests are asked to wear masks.

Ministry of comfort, love and dignity entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)