J. C. Hodge, Sr., 72, of Belleville, MI passed away October 31, 2020.
Deacon J.C. (Jerry) Hodge Sr., was born on May 22, 1948 to the union of Lodie Hodge Sr. and Alberta Hodge in Grand Junction, Tennessee.
He successfully completed his education in the Grand Junction Tennessee public school system. At an early age, he developed a love of fishing and hunting. He would often be found in the pond, behind his parent’s home, casting his rod and shooting his BB gun.
He was a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist church until he moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1969. On November 17, 1970, he was united in holy matrimony to Evangelist Rheba Hodge. Their union was blessed with eight children.
Once he retired from Ford Motor Co, he was free to do what he loved the most…fish. Deacon Hodge was an avid outdoors man spending every free moment working on various projects. Deacon Hodge loved God and was a man of great faith who was anointed to pray. He was a faithful member of Pentecostal Temple COGIC serving on the Deacon and Usher Board. Even when he wasn’t feeling well, he would make sure he was serving at church. Deacon Hodge loved mentoring the youth, as a result, he had touched their lives greatly and many affectionately call him ‘dad’. His influence will live on forever in the lives of all who knew him well.
Deacon Hodge peacefully departed this life on Saturday, October 31, 2020 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his father, Lodie Hodge, mother, Alberta Hodge, brothers, Lee Elton Hodge and Lodie Hodge Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 50 yrs., Evangelist Rheba Hodge and their eight children, Celeste P. Moffett, J. C. (Stacey) Hodge Jr., Erica Hodge, Rilinda (Anthony) Gardette, Grace Hodge, Shanique Hodge, Malissa Hodge, Cierra (Taurian) Brannon and one bonus daughter Zaviera Russell Garat. He also leaves behind three loving sisters, Dorothy Hall, Roberta Hodge, Eloise (Curtis) Smith; and two brothers-in-law, Miles Toran and Aaron (Shirley) Toran.
He was affectionally known as “Poppa” to his nine grandchildren, Unique Chelsea Moffett, J.C. Hodge lll, Jeremiah Hodge, Aubrianna Hodge, Jadyn Hodge, Sirr Crutcher, Preston Hodge, Toni Rose Gardette, Royce Hodge Gardette and two bonus grandchildren Samuel Garat and Zackary Garat.
Deacon Hodge will also be forever remembered by his numerous God-children, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Our dear one was called away and has gone with the Lord to stay. Although this passing makes us weep, we rejoice our loved one rests safe in Gods Keep. By Kelly Roper
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