Gail O. Hodge

Our hearts were broken when our beloved Gail O. Hodge suddenly moved from this earthly home into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. She moved to her eternal home residing with the King with a brand-new body free of diabetes and its many complications. She is living a new life walking on the streets paved in gold. What a glorious time she is having with her Dad, Lawrence Edward Hodge, Sr., her brother Lawrence “Larry” Edward Hodge, Jr., and her sister-in-law Cheryl Hodge.

Gail was born on July 19, 1959 in Fredericksburg, Virginia to Ida Bertha Hodge and the late Lawrence Edward Hodge, Sr. Gail was one of a kind, a very unique individual, you loved her and wanted to zip her mouth at the same time. What a beloved person in her own special way.

Gail was a graduate of King George High School. She had treasured friends from her high school days who kept in contact with her. Gail dearly loved her family and took loving care of her mother in the last five years or more, even in the midst of her own pain. Her family was her first love; however, her alma mater – Hampton Institute, currently Hampton University – ranked close behind. She even had the “Blue Room” in her home with much Hampton memorabilia. She dearly loved her “Home by the Sea” where she participated in the Marching Band, concert, jazz, brass ensemble, and trombone quartet. Gail had to learn to dance, high step, and double step as a member of the marching band. She regularly thanked Mrs. Phyllis Ashton for inspiring her to attend the beautiful HBCU. She attended the Hampton Homecomings and Class Reunions and other events at her “Home by the Sea” as long as her health allowed. Gail always financially supported her alma mater and has a brick with her name at the Hampton dining facility. One year, Gail was instrumental in getting the band from Hampton University to march and perform at the King George Fall Festival.

After graduating, Gail went to work in retail management jobs at Kmart and CVS in Richmond and Virginia Beach. After leaving retail, Gail returned home to King George and in her last job worked as an Acquisition Analyst Contractor. Whatever work Gail did, she did it with pride, determined to put forth her best effort. She was employed with several contractors, Battelle being the last. She finally retired while working as a contractor with Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Dahlgren, Virginia.

Gail became and remained a member of Little Ark Baptist Church from a young child until her death. She sang in the choir. On some occasions, she would play her trombone along with the other musicians and choir. What a treat!

Gail was a member of the King George Ralph Bunche Alumni Association, although she never attended Ralph Bunche. She worked diligently with the Association to obtain the Historical Marker for the site. She was also a member of and attended the King George Branch NAACP meetings until her health began to fail. When the NAACP began Zoom meetings, she was able to once again participate and support the organization from home. Gail also supported the John Steward Memorial Scholarship with yearly donations.

Along Gail’s path in life, she met some true friends that she treasured immensely. One of those friends was Gayle Dunn, spelled the “wrong” way according to Gail Hodge. Gayle and Gail were the best of friends, with Gayle transitioning almost two years ago. While roommates at Hampton, the two always had “something going on” which would bring attention to the Dean of Women. Gayle and Gail are back together again smiling from cheek to cheek. Gayle had two sons, Troy and Travis, who Gail adopted as her own. Gayle’s husband, Lee Dunn, was a rival A&T college graduate. You know how that must have had Gail talking—A&T, not Hampton.

Gail adored her godson, Austin. She was blessed to enjoy the beautiful red roses he sent her for Mother’s Day on Friday, May 10, 2024. She sent pictures to everyone raving about her godson and the gorgeous flowers.

Gail leaves many cherished memories to her most loving mother Ida Bertha Hodge; a supportive cousin who was raised as her brother Arthur “Junie” Greene; special cousins: Lena (Veola) Bumbry and Blanche (John, Jr.) Chapman; nephew Reggie; godson Austin Cunningham, an adored beautician Francine Carter, and a host of cousins and friends too numerous to name.

Gail was very appreciative to everyone who provided support to her Mother; also, to her friends who transported her to and from doctor appointments, shopping trips or whatever was needed to make her life comfortable during her retirement. Gail loved you very much! God’s blessings to each of you!