Irene Hodge

Irene Hodge, 87, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She had lived with a granddaughter, Elizabeth Turbeville, the past 15 years.

Irene was born Jan. 9, 1924, at Neelys Landing, daughter of Harry and Alpha Mae Warren McClard. She and Edwin R. Hodge were married June 19, 1943, in Jackson. He passed away Jan. 18, 1994.

She was a child care provider in her home more than 20 years. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening.

Loving survivors include a son, Lindel Hodge of Jackson; two daughters, Darlene (Mac) Wilkerson of Marble Hill, Mo., Shirlene (Donald) Pickert of Fredericktown, Mo.; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; two brothers, Raymond "Pete" McClard and John (Judy) McClard of Jackson.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Garry Hodge in 1989; a grandson, Benny Ray Hodge; two great-granddaughters, Taylar Weakley and Bailey Jones; three sisters and three infant siblings.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jeff Woodard officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.