The following was submitted by contributor Dottie Gilder:

Claxton - Jean P. Hodges, 78, died Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at Evans Memorial Hospital after an extended illness.

Jean was born November 1, 1925, the daughter of Jesse and Ola Powell of Undine, Evans County, Georgia. She grew up on the family farm with her sister, Eloise. Her first job was as a soda jerk at Brown's Drug Store in Claxton. She married G. B. Hodges, Jr on August 24, 1944. The couple had two children Nancy Jo and George Ricky. For a few years they operated Traveler's Inn Restaurant next door to Traveler's Inn on Highway 301 in Claxton for G. Brinson Hodges, Sr. her father-in-law. Then they purchased farm land in Tattnall County near Bay Branch Church from Levi Holmes Kennedy (G.B.'s maternal grandfather). She was a homemaker and helped manage the farm where they lived the rest of their lives. She was a member of the Home Demonstration Club and a volunteer for 4-H Club. She worked a few years during tobacco season at Planter's Tobacco Warehouse in Claxton and then worked for and retired from Tattnall County Farm Bureau. Jean and G. B. spent their honeymoon at Shellman Bluff and in 1970 purchased land so they could return for rest and relaxation. She and G. B. were members of Bay Branch Church.

Her only sibling Eloise Powell (Mrs. Sam) Loyd and her parents, Ola and Jesse, preceded her in death. Jean is survived by her husband: G. B. Hodges; son: Ricky and Beverly Hodges; daughter: Nancy and Johnnie Crosby; grandsons: Gavin and Nathan Hodges and John and Jo Crosby; great-grandchildren: Erin, Wesley and Jeffrey Crosby.

Visitation: will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2004 at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in Claxton. Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2004 at Bay Branch Church south of Bellville. J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home

Savannah Morning News, July 23, 2004