Lona Hodge Brooks

Lona Johnson Hodge Brooks was born September 6, 1921 in Tunnel Hill Illinois to Noah and Esta (Boner) Johnson. She departed this life on Saturday evening, September 4, 2021, at 8:30 PM at the Carrier Mills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. On December 9, 1937 she was united in marriage to Kenneth Lee Hodge who preceded her in death. Later she was united in marriage to James Brooks on January 1, 1991 who also preceded her in death. Lona is survived by sons Dale Hodge and George Hodge (Cindy), Daughters Donna (Sam) Blue, Barbara Belcher, Patricia (Doug) Hort. Numerous grandsons and granddaughters, cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members also survive. In addition to her husbands and parents, Lona is preceded in death by her 6 sisters and 7 brothers, a beloved older brother, Wilburn Johnson, who gave his life in France for his country in WWII, as well as an infant brother in 1920. Later in life she also was preceded in death by her siblings Verna Johnson, Hazel Vinson, Pauline Webb, Earl Johnson, Mary Lowery, Kenneth Johnson, Billy Gene Johnson, Wanda Thurman, Lawrence Johnson, Judith Cash, and Gertrude Gould. In addition is her son-in-law, Gene Belcher and daughter-in-law Charlene Hodge. Lona was a lifelong member of the New Salem Baptist Church. She served in many capacities to help the congregation. She loved to teach the children’s classes and vacation bible school. Lona was a housewife and took great pride in her family, raising beautiful flowers, gardening, and taking care of those around her. A service honoring the life of Lona Johnson Hodge Brooks will be conducted Thursday afternoon, September 9, 2021, at 12 Noon at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Burial will be in the New Salem Cemetery near Creal Springs. Lona’s grandson, Mike Hodge will officiate, assisted by her pastor, Dr. Jack Hill. Visitation will be held Thursday morning, September 9, 2021, from 10:30 AM until 12 Noon at the funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the New Salem Baptist Church, c/o Bailey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 695, Vienna, Illinois 62995 or to the New Salem Cemetery Fund, c/o George Davis, 16126 Ralls Grove Road, Creal Springs, IL 62922 or to the funeral home.

Lona Hodge Brooks

September 6, 1921 - September 4, 2021