Merlene Hayes Hodge
August 8, 1936 ~ October 10, 2021
Merlene Hayes Hodge was born August 8, 1936, as the first child to the parentage of Arbie Hayes and Lorene Rivers Hayes. She attended school in the Mt. Moriah area and joined church there at an early age. She excelled in math and spelling in state competitions and enjoyed playing basketball. She was employed by Pilgrims Pride for forty plus years. She had great work ethics. No job was too demanding for her from hauling hay to yard work. She took great pride in having a beautiful yard. Good food was her passion. She would labor for days preparing food for holidays only to share a plate with anyone who stopped by her home.
She leaves to cherish her memories, daughter, Sherlene Smith (Michael) of Dallas, Texas; bonus children, Curtis Hodge (Gloria) of Dallas, TX, Lonnie Hodge (Lovennia) of Lancaster, TX, Patricia Robinson of Daingerfield, TX; sisters, Linda Askew, Sharon Ivery, Annette Tillis (A.G.) of Omaha, TX; two grandchildren, Michael Lennard Smith and Ashley Smith; a special great niece, her baby, MaKaley Smith; aunts, Bertha Brown, Clara Mae Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews and a special neighbor, Harry Peel.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Hodge, Jr.; daughter, Marcie Ruth Hurndon; father and mother, Arbie and Lorene Hayes, and one brother, Curtis Hayes.
Services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. Burial to follow in the Reynolds Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. Mrs. Hodge will lie in state from noon until 5:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.
MEMORY OF YOU
The moment I found out,
my world just stopped.
My heart broke into pieces,
and suddenly dropped.
What entered my soul,
was unbearable pain,
My smile vanished,
and cried like the rain.
My entire life,
I loved you so dearly,
It will never be the same,
I'll miss you sincerely.
My precious mom.,
I wish you could return,
It wasn't your turn.
My tears for you,
shall never dry,
Random moments,
I'll break down and cry.
I'll cherish forever,
my memory of you, and
live life you taught me,
peacefully and true.
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To Sister Sherlene Smith and the family of Sister Merlean Hodge…
A mother's love is alive forever in the lessons she taught, the patience she gave and in the hearts of the children she raised. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Metropolitan Baptist Church of Dallas
Rev. Chris J. Evans, Pastor
Very strong industrious Woman who Loved her some "Shang". Always
showed me love and made me welcomed in her home. I loved her Chocolate Pecan Pie.
Sherlene & Family
My deepest sympathies!!!
Sending heartfelt sympathy to you'll. Your mom was a beautiful person she will be truly missed. Dora Norman Mcgee and family.
Sherlene my condolences to you and the family.
My condolences to the family
WITH OUR DEEPEST Condolences and Love 💘 🙏
Cuz how can I ever forget you for you and your mom would always show me so much love and welcome me into your homes. Cuz you will forever be loved and missed. May God Bless the family.
Hey Sister, praying 🙏for you
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. May God loving arms bring comfort and peace in the days ahead.
I've always enjoyed my visits and talks with cousin Merlene. My last visit she was on that riding mower taking care of her lawn. I'm grateful my grandmother and mother made the family reunions when I was a kid. Love my family. My prayers and thoughts with you all.
It was a great pleasure to meet you and you shared stories with me. I will always love and remember you.
Your cousins Connie??
"Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate your kindness and support during this difficult time."
Sorry for your lost my prayers go out to u and your family. May God bless 😇🙏