Dartha Nell Hodge, also known as “Dot,” Mom, Memaw and friend, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, March 19, 2026.
She was born at home in Blackshear to John Riley and Mary Thrift August 6, 1940. She was the youngest of five children and the only daughter.
She graduated from Blackshear High School in 1959. She met her husband, Rommie, while in school and they married November 18, 1960. Rommie was in the Navy and thus her adventure as a military wife began. While stationed in Great Lakes, Illinois in 1971, she decided she wanted to become a cosmetologist. She eventually opened her own shops in Pensacola, Florida: Colonial Beauty Salon and M.D. Hair Designs, retiring in 2020 after 51 years of doing what she loved. Her clients were more than customers; they were her friends.
Some of her hobbies were working in her flower garden, jewelrymaking, square dancing, scrapbooking and traveling with great friends: Frank and Carleen Hansford and Marshall and Delores Welford.
She gave her life to Jesus at a young age and served him faithfully until the very end. She attended Gonzalez Baptist Church where she was involved in many areas of ministry, including teaching Sunday School. She most recently attended Harvest Christian Center where she was well loved.
She is preceded in death by her parents; John Riley Thrift and Mary Mock Thrift and her brothers, Charles, Casper “Cap” and Carroll Thrift.
Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Rommie; her son, Wayne (Robbie) Hodge; her daughter, Mary Ann (Anthony) Harris; four grandchildren, Kendal, Jimmie, Billie and Riley; five great-grandchildren, Trey, Laedin, Zaylin, Josie and Harrison and her brother, Ray Thrift.
Visitation will be from 2-3 p.m. Friday, March 27, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 27, from the Pearson- Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Bishop R.B. Gaskins officiating.
Interment will follow in Blackshear City Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Kendal Hodge, Jimmie Trawick, Billie Trawick, Riley Hodge, Laedin Jordan and Trey Trawick.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is honored to serve the Hodge family during this time.
