JoAnn Murphy Hodge's Obituary
JoAnn Murphy Hodge, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on December 20, 1939, in Lakeland, Florida, JoAnn was a cherished member of her community and a devoted matriarch to her family.
JoAnn’s life was rich with love and service. She was deeply involved in Kathleen Baptist Church, where she made lasting friendships and served her faith with a joyful heart. A proud graduate of Lakeland High School, JoAnn's spirit shone through as a majorette, leading with grace and pride during her school years.
She enjoyed a fulfilling career as a beautician, where she made many lifelong connections, and also worked as a phone operator at GTE, where her warm voice and kind demeanor were always appreciated. Outside of work, JoAnn was known for her love of travel, particularly to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, and her deep appreciation for bluegrass music. Whether shopping or spending time with loved ones, JoAnn’s zest for life was evident in everything she did.
A loving and devoted wife, JoAnn married her high school sweetheart, Jesse Hodge, on January 26, 1957. Together, they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and the shared experience of raising three sons: Keith (Taree Hodge), Rick Hodge, and Scott Hodge. JoAnn’s greatest joy, however, came in her role as Grammy to her 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a constant source of pride and love in her life.
JoAnn is survived by her loving husband, Jesse Hodge, her sons, and their families. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Monroe Murphy and Ruby Shiver, and her sisters, Lucille and Sylvia.
JoAnn's kindness, unwavering faith, and boundless love will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of warmth, strength, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of her loved ones forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Kathleen Baptist Church or a charity of your choice in JoAnn’s memory.
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