Mary E. Hodges

Mary E. Bazemore Hodges was born October 2, 1936, to the late Willis and Dorothy Holley. She transitioned from her earthly life on June 27, 2022, at 7:30 a.m. at Sentara Obici Hospital, Suffolk, Va.

Mary was educated in the public schools of Gates County. She spent her adult life working for many years with families in Virginia rearing and caring for their children until the children became adults.

After her conversion in Christ, Mary served as a faithful disciple under the great leadership of Pastor W. P. Wiggins, Sr. and she remained with the ministry of New Mt. Joy Food for Living until her death. She attended and completed studies at the WPW Bible Institute and upon her graduation she was licensed as an Evangelist.

Realizing that only the things done for Christ will last, in ministry, she served as President of the Evangelist Board, Youth Choir Mother, Sunday School teacher, member of the Usher’s Unit, church announcer, and member of the W.P. Wiggins Gospel Choir.

Mary may have been short in stature, but she was a giant in the Lord. She loved God and the things of God with her whole heart. She manifested His presence in her life through her praise.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Willis and Dorothy Holley; four brothers: Joe, Johnny, James, and Herbert Holley; husbands: Charlie Bazemore and Joseph Hodges.

Her memories will forever be cherished by her daughter, Sarah Holley Nowell (Walter) of Sunbury; four grandchildren, Antonio Nowell (Tracy) of Winston-Salem, Letisha Nowell Pruden (Antonio) of Elizabeth City, Eric Nowell (Ebonee) of Winterville, and Derrick Nowell of Sunbury; 17 great grandchildren, numerous great-great grandchildren, four sisters, Rosa Sessoms of Ahoskie, Ann Norfleet (Robert) of Chesapeake, Va., Gracy Duck (Melvin) of Upper Marlboro, MD, Phyllis Bond (Anthony) of Sunbury; one brother, Willis Holley, Jr. (Willean) of North Augusta, SC; oldest niece, Patricia Riddick (Ronnie) of Gates; oldest nephew, Barry Holley of Winston-Salem, step children, Ronnie, Jimmy, Joseph, Ishma, Jeanette, and Barbara Hodges; many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

A viewing and visitation will take place Friday July 1, 2022, from 3-6pm at the funeral home.  On Saturday July 2, 2022, at 12 noon a Celebration of a beautiful life well lived will be held at New Mt. Joy Suffolk, Va.

Final resting place for Ms. Hodges will be at Carver Memorial Cemetery, Suffolk, Va.

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