Willie Hodges

Willie Lee Hodges was born April 27, 1935 in Delove, MS, to Moses Townes and Pearl Hodges who both preceded him in death. His son, Bernard “Joe” Townes, grandsons, Deangelo Townes and Deshawn Adams, and granddaughter, Litrice Townes, all preceded him in death as well. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Ernest Hayes, Jimmy Lee Hodges, and Abraham Hodges; sisters, Corrine Goodson, Ruby Lee Hodges, and Luceil Hodges; and brother-in-law, Joseph Cornelius. As a young boy, he attended Trail Lake Elementary School. In his later years, he joined Inner Healing Prayer Circle Ministries and confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Willie was a hardworking man. He began working when he was thirteen years old. He started out working with the cotton gin and later became a chauffeur for his boss. After moving to Chicago, Willie began working for Crosley Canvas as an upholsterer, making and repairing upholstery for automobiles and household furniture. He retired from Crosley Canvas after 33 years of service. In 1956, as Willie Lee Townes, he married Winnie Thompson. Out of this union, came seven sons and three daughters. Many years later after clarification from his birth certificate, he became Willie Lee Hodges. He later married Louise Ruffin, and together, they raised one son and two daughters. In the winter of 2001, Willie married Janice Miller, and together, they raised three children. Willie enjoyed cooking, fishing, and taking long drives in nice cars. He also loved to watch Western movies and sports, especially the Chicago Cubs and wrestling. Willie had a special bond with his surviving siblings, Henry Lee and Ruby Dean. He spoke to them practically every day. Willie slipped away peacefully on Sunday, March 20, 2022. He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Janice; children, Willie Townes II (Amy), Debra Bobo (Teddy Howard), Stanley Townes (Sherrell), Gregory Townes, Terry Townes (Angela), Darnell Townes, Darnetta Moore (Jesse), Derrick Townes (Heather), Thelma Townes, Teneisha Ruffin, Wilmeka Ruffin, Yarmell Ruffin, Marcus Caldwell, Kavonya Caldwell, and Austin Shaffer (Arneshia); brother, Henry Lee Townes (Rosemary); sister, Rudy Dean Townes; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other family, and friends

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