Mary Olive Knox Hodge

Mary Olive Knox Hodge passed from this life on Tuesday, July 4, Independence Day, 2023. The funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, 623 US-80, Monroe: with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. Officiating will be son-in-law, Rev. Thomas Patterson, pastor of HOPE Church in Evangeline, LA and son-in-law, Steven Purcell, Executive Director at Laity Lodge in Texas.

Mary was born July 17, 1934, in Huttig, AR to Ollie and Mary Knox. Following high school, she completed Louisiana Business College; and served as a secretary at United Carbon Gas Co. She was also a secretary at the Shreveport Times/Journal and later, the Alief School District in Houston.

Mary Olive was a beautiful soul who loved deeply and loved the LORD JESUS, knowing HIM as her personal Savior. She lived her life with extreme integrity and character; and everything she did was to the very best of her ability. We cannot talk about our mother without telling how she loved people and loved talking with them. But not just talking – She wanted to know all about others and their lives. If she said she would pray for you, you can write it down that she did as she said. 

Mrs. Hodge was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Hodge; and her father and mother, Ollie and Mary Knox. Also, preceding her in passing are her brothers: Tracy Knox, John Lavelle Knox and Edgar Knox.

Mary Hodge is survived by her daughters: Susan (Tom) Patterson and Amy (Steven) Purcell; three grandchildren: Brian (Emily) Patterson, Aaron Patterson and Ainsley Purcell; two great grandchildren: Aubree and Brayden Patterson; her beloved sister, Faye Ciraulo; nephew, Nick Ciraulo; niece, Iris Meshell (David); brother-in-law, Don Hodge; and a host of wonderful and loved cousins.

Pallbearers will be Brian Patterson, Aaron Patterson, Steven Purcell, Tom Patterson, Todd Gregory and Dillard DeLaSalle. The honorary pallbearer will be Nick Ciraulo.

The family would like to give special thanks to LAMM Family Care and to Oshner American Legion Hospital in Jennings who sweetly cared for our mother in their efforts to make her comfortable. Also special thanks to cousin Kathy Lynn Knox for taking her time to come and help care for Mary Olive.