FRANCES MERLE HODGES

We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Merle Hodges, age 79, of Donalsonville, GA. who passed away on June 19, 2012 at her residence. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 22, 2012 in the chapel of Evans-Skipper Funeral Home Donalsonville, GA at 11:00 AM with Rev. Jimmy Hornsby officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Springs Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Cedar Springs. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Evans-Skipper Funeral Home. She was born in Houston County, AL on November 4, 1932 to the late Lan Oakley and Una Jordan Welch. She will be remembered as working at Lois Restaurant in Donalsonville and was a wonderful cook. She is survived by son, Johnny Hodges of Donalsonville, GA; daughters, Yvonne H. Ruiz of Manhattan Beach, CA and Cynthia H. White of Donalsonville, GA; brothers, Homer Welch, Odell Welch, Freddie Welch, Gary Welch, Ronnie Welch, and Eddie Ray Welch; sisters, Betty Hodges, Debbie Cloud, Dean Evans, Sandy Gibson. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Dane Pridgen, Steve White, Jr., Brandon White, Eric Hodges, and Rita Hale; and a great grandson, Caleb White. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lan Oakley and Una Jordan Welch; and a brother, Bud Welch. Casketbearers will be Tim Evans, Roy Evans, Dane Pridgen, Steve White, Jr., Brandon White, and Eric Hodges. Evans-Skipper Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.