Mary Ann Hodges - Class of 1952

[Bob]

Mary Ann Hodges Wood, 81, born July 30 in Knoxville, passed away on July 31, 2015, surrounded by her daughters. She was a graduate of Rule High School and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a BA degree in Fine Arts. She was a wonderful loving mother and friend to many. While raising her four children, she was active in the Knoxville Home Builders Association's Women's Auxiliary for many years including being its President. Later, she decided to attend University of Tennessee to get her degree. After college, she focused her energy on serving the community. As a long-time member of St. James Episcopal Church, Mary Ann served as financial secretary for many years, the Altar Guild, Helping Hands and Daughters of the King. An Active member of the Episcopal Church Women, she and Mattie Campen founded the Cottage Shop, an outreach to the women in need. She served many years on the Advisory Board of the YWCA, helping with the annual Tribute to Women. She was an accomplished artist who saw the beauty in God's creation and expressed it on canvas. Her resilient spirit and her faith buoyed her through numerous illnesses. She was a staunch and faithful friend, always helping others in her quiet and unobtrusive manner. Her happiest moments were spent with her family, especially on annual beach trips and Las Vegas holidays. Her twinkling eyes and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Goldie Whitton Hodges; brother Earl Hodges; and special nephew Brad Hodges. She is survived by her four children, daughters Sharon R. Wood (partner Karen Spence) of Louisville, Tennessee and Tina M. Wood of Warwick, Rhode Island; and sons, John J. Wood of Los Angeles and Jerry H. Wood, Jr of Knoxville. She is also survived by her brother Howard Hodges (Joyce) and sister Dorothy (Dot) Johnson, all of Knoxville; and many special nieces and nephews; Julie Hamlin whom she loved like a daughter; and very special friend, Pat Medley. The family would like to thank her caregivers from Comfort Keepers, and especially Debbie Kessler. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/knoxne ... QBfeO.dpuf