Beloved mother and grandmother, Emogene Simmons Hodges, 93, was born Nov. 26, 1927, in Van Buren County, and passed away Feb. 22, 2021, at Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital, in Sparta, following a brief illness.
A retired dental assistant with the state of Tennessee, factory worker, former teacher at Laurel Creek Elementary in Van Buren County, and member of Laurel Creek Baptist Church, she was the daughter of James William Simmons and Eliza Hillis Simmons.
She was a member of the graduating class of 1946. She was married to Charles W. Hodges who preceded her in death.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by eight siblings.
Mrs. Hodges is survived by a daughter, Betty Murray, of Franklin; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Melodie Hodges, of Spencer; four grandchildren, Melissa Murray, of Jacksonville, Florida, Brian Murray and wife Wendi, of Jacksonville, Florida, Brandon Shane Hodges and wife Michelle, of Sparta, Tabatha Jade Moser, of Calabasas, California; two step-grandchildren, Colby Wheeler and wife Krystyna, Wesley Wheeler and wife Holly; seven great-grandchildren, Kaylee Murray, Alyssa Adcock, River Moser, Lake Moser, Victoria Lucas, Tyson Hodges, Scarlett Hodges; three step-great-grandchildren, Grayton, Huntington, Asher Wheeler; one great-great-grandchild, Baylor LeDuc; several nieces and nephews; and her church family.
A special thank you to all the wonderful caregivers Mom has had over the years.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Feb. 25, 2021, at Laurel Creek Baptist Church, in Van Buren County, with burial in Laurel Creek Cemetery. Roy Terry will officiate. Visitation will 2-7 p.m., Feb. 24, at High Funeral Home, in McMinnville, and 1-2 p.m., Feb. 25, at Laurel Creek Baptist Church
The family respectfully requests that everyone wear a mask.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Laurel Creek Baptist Church or Laurel Creek Cemetery.
High Funeral Home, in McMinnville, is in charge of arrangements.
