Wilma “Jean” Hodges (nee Fitzgerald) was born May 27, 1933, to the late Robert James Fitzgerald and Lora Fitzgerald (nee O’Bryan) at Munger, Missouri. She departed this life on October 14, 2024, at the Baptist Home of Arcadia Valley at the age of 91. She accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized into the Cedar Grove Baptist Church in March of 1944. Jean was active in many churches where she served as a Sunday School teacher and in other places of service. She loved studying the Bible. Later in life she learned the Sign Language of the deaf and enjoyed interpreting worship services for them.
Jean loved school and was a good student, graduating from Lesterville High School as valedictorian. She graduated from Southwest Baptist College and Missouri Baptist University where she earned a degree in Elementary Education. She taught school for several years before retiring to devote her time to being a homemaker and serving in her local church.
Jean was married to Donald Hodges on July 18, 1953. To this union was born one son, Mark David Hodges. Mark married Peggy Geiger in 1980. They gave them two wonderful grandsons, Jesse and Peter. They brought them great joy and a lot of pleasure. Donald and Jean were also blessed with seven great grandchildren, Shelby, Colt, Grace, Elliot, Paton, Mercy, and Charity. Jean was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and homemaker.
Jean was preceded in death by her father, Robert Fitzgerald, her mother, Lora Fitzgerald, sisters, Kathleen Gruber, Rosalie Self, Amolee McIntyre, Rowena Harrelson, Nina Ruth Brady, and brothers, Robert Delos and James Bryan.
Jean is survived by her husband of 71 years, Donald Hodges, one son, Mark Hodges (and wife Peggy), grandsons, Jesse Hodges (and wife, Erin) and Peter Hodges (and wife, Stephanie), and seven great grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Charles Douglas Fitzgerald (and his wife, Nina), and sister-in-law, Verla Fitzgerald. Many nieces and nephews also survive and a host of friends.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel. Visitation will resume on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. in the Cozean Chapel officiated by Pastor Keith Huffman. Entombment to follow at St. Francois Memorial Park. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the American Heart Association or to a Veterans Organization of the donor’s choice. View the video tribute and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.
