Jessie K. Hodapp

Jessie Ruth Keele Hodapp was born March 7, 1925 in the Vervilla Community of Warren County, Tennessee. Jessie went home to her Lord on March 28, 2025. She grew up as a farm girl with red fingernails, which she still had to this day. Her daddy took her to a one room schoolhouse in a horse and buggy. She finished her schooling at Warren County High School.
After finishing school she decided to move to Norfolk to live with her sister Lib and her husband Tony where she work. Two of those jobs were at the Norfolk Naval Air Station during World War II. First, she worked as a "Rosie the Riveter" repairing planes damage during combat. She then moved up to the position of secretary to the air wing commander. During that time she met the love of her life Frank. After many flirtations by the water cooler they fell in love and married in 1946.
After a few location changes she and Frank settled in Norfolk. There, he built her dream home where they raised three children. She always believed she had the dream life and everything she could ever want.
She was a dedicated Christian who helped start a small congregation in the East Oceanview area and then later started attending Kempsville Christian Church with Frank where they were both active servants. Frank being a greeter and Jessie in the nursery. After Frank's death in 2010, Jessie took over his position as a greeter well into her 90s.
Jessie is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Frank. Son Keith, daughter Lynda and great grandson Truman.
Left to mourn her passing are her daughter Sandi Thompson, grandchildren Heath Thompson, Kevin Hodapp, Holly Lineberry, Melissa Hill (Aaron) and Kristen Starks (Chris). Nine great-grandchildren Katie, Brandon, Camden, Karsyn, Harrison, Pippa, Kerrigan, Peyton and Kortlyn and one great-great granddaughter Evelyn. Along with many friends and family who loved her as much as she did them.
Her celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 1 PM at Kempsville Christian Church, located at 5424 Parliament Drive, Virginia Beach. If you wish to say goodbye to Jessie, a viewing will be held 30 minutes prior to the service. A graveside service at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Kempsville Christian Church Greater fund or the Hope For Life Rescue.