Marie Hodge

Marie Johnson Hodge passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 18th, 2023. She was a resident of Casa Mora Rehabilitation & Extended Care in Bradenton, FL.

Marie led a very full life until dementia clipped her wings.

Born January 10, 1942 in Lynchburg, VA to Whit and Pearl Johnson, Marie attended James Madison University (then known as Madison College) to earn a degree in accounting and finance in 1964. Upon graduation, she was recruited by Blue Ridge Community College in Fishersville, VA where she taught accounting and bookkeeping to those students wanting a career in those fields. She held numerous roles over the years. After workin for Blue Ridge, she went to work for Farmers & Merchants Bank of Virginia (which was eventually acquired by Bank of America) where she was the trainer for new employees. She worked her way up to Vice President in the Waynesboro, VA branch of Bank of America. They sponsored her at LSU where in 1980 she earned a Masters degree in banking & finance. She was the first female elected to their executive board. When she retired in 1985, she was the Human Resources Director for the Virginia district.

In March 1985, Marie married William E Hodge. They moved to Cape Coral, FL to enjoy retirement, but that didn’t last long. During her almost 40 years in Florida, Marie was very active. She worked for a machine & steel company, a real estate company, several citrus packers, and a CPA. She taught high school juniors and seniors in a special program designed to help them earn a diploma. She was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and the U S Coast Guard Auxiliary. Marie loved animals, and always made room for one more that needed a home. Before she moved into assisted living memory care in 2019, she had been caring for a goat, ducks, cats, dogs, a miniature horse, a donkey, two quarter horses, and cows. Always putting others before herself, she volunteered at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula. For a number of years she served as a volunteer for the Story of Jesus.mMarie loved Christmas, especially in the context of helping others. She worked with the local Wauchula toy drive to ensure that every child who needed a present would receive one. She was always acting to help children in need.

Marie is survived by her husband William “Bill” Hodge of Wauchula, her son Tim Loving, his two children Ziva and TJ, and two granddaughters Julia and Alyssa Swilley, along with numerous cousins. Upon her passing, Marie’s desire was to be cremated. Arrangements are being made through Shannon Funeral Home in Bradenton.

In remembrance of Marie, donations may be made to Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue (nateshonoranimalrescue.org) or to the Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org)