Mary Lou HODGES

HARTFIELD - Mary Lou Hodges ended her earthly pilgrimage on June 9, 2010, at the age of 85. As a believer in Christ, we have the certain assurance that she is now in the eternal presence of her Lord and Savior. Mary Lou was known for her delicious recipes and warm hospitality – her beautiful floral creations have brightened many a day. Her charming smile and infectious laugh won her many friends over the years, and she enjoyed playing bridge and pursuing church and community endeavors with them. She was a member of Lower United Methodist Church, where she originated the Spring Fling; the Middlesex Woman's Club, where she helped create the now famous crab bisque and chaired the college scholarship committee, and the Northern Neck Rose Society to name a few. Mary Lou was born in North Carolina, grew up in southern Virginia and moved to Washington, D.C., during World War II to work for the American Red Cross, where she helped create the blood drive program. She and Jim married and raised their daughters in Northern Virginia and retired to Middlesex County 22 years ago. Most importantly, she is Jim's beloved bride of 56 years and the loving mother of Margo (Dave) Gardner and Catherine (Joe) Brown. She is dearly loved by her six grandchildren: David, Andrew, Maryn and Quinn Gardner and Preston and Taylor Brown, and great-grandson Dallas Gardner.
Mary Lou was the oldest of six sisters, four of whom survive her along with several nieces and nephews whom she loved and who will miss her as well. Mary Lou is now reunited with her parents, John and Margaret Weaver and her sister, Carol Porterfield. We look forward to the day that we, too, will become part of that reunion.
A celebration of Mary Lou's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 12, 2010, at Lower United Methodist Church in Hartfield with burial following in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the scholarship funds of Lower United Methodist Church or the Middlesex Woman's Club. Funeral arrangements are being made by Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home in Saluda. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.