Verna Elois McGraw Hodges

Verna Elois McGraw Hodges departed her earthly life in the early morning hours of February 4, 2014 at the Lucas House, an assisted living facility in Beaumont, Texas. She was born on February 15, 1922, the third of eight children of Vernon and Ellen McGraw. She was always known as Eah, a nickname that came from a little brother's attempts to pronounce Elois. There is probably not another Eah in any language in the world. The early war years brought the attraction of soldiers from Fort Polk, but those boys were no competition for Amos Hodges. He stole her heart away, and they were married on November 14, 1943, in De Ridder, Louisiana. Eah only lived in Jasper for about 5 years before she and Amos started on their adventures. She lived in Corpus Christi, Beaumont, Houston, Lumberton, and then returned to Jasper 36 years after leaving. She came home to care for Ellen after Vernon died in 1974. Eah's real love, other than Amos, was her huge extended family. Although she had no children, she was a true mother to everyone that loved her. Although the last years of her life were spent with considerable physical pain, she still managed to stay focused on her family - even planning a huge family reunion this past summer. And that love and devotion to her family will be her lasting legacy. Eah was preceded in death by her parents - Vernon and Ellen, her husband - Amos, two brothers - Willie Dennis McGraw and Joe Henry McGraw, two sisters - Euclid Touit Nixon and Martha Op Welch. She is survived by one loving sister - Tommie Sherrod of Vidor, Texas, two devoted brothers - Bill McGraw of Jasper, Texas and Buddy McGraw of Austin, Texas, sister in laws Frances McGraw of Plano, Texas, Katharine McGraw of Jasper, Texas, and Dorothy Tas McGraw of San Antonio, Texas, and numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces, other relatives, and friends, all of whom will always remember Eah's love, laugh, and giving spirit. Visitation will be Thursday, February 6, 2014, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m, at Stringer Griffin Funeral Home in Jasper, Texas. Family Graveside Service will be held Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Eah's legacy by making a contribution to a service oriented charity of your choice. Services are under the direction of Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home of Jasper.