Julia Anna Hodges, 74, of Marianna, Florida passed away at home on Sunday, October 16, 2022 with her loved one’s present.
Born in Weissenberg Germany to an American Soldier and German mother she made wonderful memories in Europe and ensured her children grew up on some wonderful German dishes being most known for her “German pancakes” or “granny pancakes”.
Julia was such a compassionate person especially to the elderly and children. In the 80’s she volunteered with Marianna Health and Rehab. After moving back to Marianna, she was disabled and often in great pain but she dedicated time to volunteer with Covenant Hospice, visiting residents at the Chipola Hotel and volunteered with the Artist Guild. Julia is remembered for two of her passions, her beautiful singing and her art. She loved putting a smile on people’s faces and often used her gifts of art and song to make random people smile. Other times she used her wonderful sense of humor and jokes. Her kids and sister picked on her in fun but she laughed with them and turned it back on them. When she wasn’t laughing she was being very competitive playing games with her mother and sister which gave her much pleasure especially when she won.
Julia worked many jobs over the years as they moved around but none fulfilled her more than being a mother and grandmother. Her children relied on her humor, advice, compassion and even that silent piercing catholic guilt look that would make them fall in line. She had our backs and would strongly defend us even when we were somewhat wrong and she had told us so. She will be extremely missed by all her children and grandchildren. There isn’t another like Julia.
Julia was preceded in death by her father, Paul Britt; mother, Ana Gareis; niece, Marianne Elam, and ex-husband Jerry Conrad.
She is survived by her husband, Benny Hodges of Pansey, AL, mother, Marianne Henson of Marianna, FL, sister, Monica Elam of Bonifay, FL, children, Paula Livergood of Marianna, FL, Alan Hodges of Dothan, AL, Marianne Hodges (Chris) of Dothan, AL, Gwen Hodges of Birmingham, AL, Chad Hodges (Tabitha) of Pansey, AL, Alicia Hodges of Mobile, AL, and grandchildren, Danielle Livergood and Ian Carlton Livergood of Marianna, FL, Kaitlyn Ayers of Pansey, AL, Darren Hodges of Dothan, AL, Molly Strickland, Emily Strickland, Ireland Grogan, Finn Grogan of Birmingham, AL, and great-grandson Samuel Ayers and ex son-in-law Gareth Livergood og Bella Vista, AR.
A memorial service is scheduled for December 10, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church located at 3009 5th Street, Marianna, FL. Marianna Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Partners for Pets, Catholic Charities or take gifts to residents of a nursing home.
