Marilyn Hodges

MARILYN J. HODGES

Marilyn J. Hodges, age 79 of Big Sandy, TN, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2019 in the Henry Co. Medical Center in Paris, TN.

Marilyn was born November 4, 1939 at Chambersburg, Clark County, Missouri, a daughter of Lewie and Margaret Young VanVelkinburgh.

She was united in marriage to Vernon Hodges on November 21, 1964 at Cedar Grove Baptist Church south of Kahoka.

Survivors include her husband, Vernon, of Big Sandy, TN; three children: Laura (Jeff) Townsley of Okmulgee, OK, Teresa (Scott) Nichols of Keokuk, IA and Gil (Adena) Hodges of Sacramento, CA; nine grandchildren and their families: Patricia (John) Denton of Coweta, OK, Cheryl Stallings of Muskogee, OK, Shauna Townsley of Okmulgee, OK, Shawn (Lauren) Clark of Des Moines, IA, Ann (Aaron) Fraise of Argyle, IA, Leanne (Sean) Ellison of Tulsa, OK, Caleb (Melody) Hodges of Austin, TX, Titus Hodges of Austin, TX and Rebecca Hodges of Sacramento, CA; two siblings, Sonny VanVelkinburgh of Keokuk, IA and Susie (Leroy) Knoch of Fort Madison, IA; four half brothers: James (Joan) McVeigh of Wayland, MO, Larry (Julie) McVeigh of Hamilton, IL, Ron McVeigh of Nauvoo, IL, Everd (Michelle) VanVelkinburgh of Keokuk, Iowa; sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Helen (Robert) St. Clair of Luray, MO and Francis (Teresa) Hodges of Lexington, MA; as well as other relatives.

She was preceded in death by parents; a grandson, Ethan Nichols; and two siblings, Robert in infancy and Mary Alice Brown.

Marilyn attended school in Keokuk and later graduated with honors from Culver Stockton College with Masters degrees in Art and Psychology.

She taught school in Lewis Co, MO for a few years and had been a Juvenile Correction Officer in Chesterfield, MO. Vernon was a Captain on towboats and she sometimes cooked on other towboats. She was an excellent cook.

Marilyn was of the Baptist faith and she and Vernon attended Tennessee Community Church in Paris. Marilyn was a talented artist and very creative at everything she did including paintings, stained glass, glass blowing, building furniture, and even in her cooking. She and Vernon loved to travel.

Marilyn had a big, loving heart. She loved being around people and her dear friends had a special place in her life. Marilyn’s health wasn’t always the best but she made the best of it. As it declined and she was no longer able to do things she always had, she loved to play board games with her family.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Pastor Jason Mott officiating. Burial followed in the Kahoka Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Vernon Hodges.

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralservice.com.

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