Rev. Margaret Julia (Davis) Hodges

Margaret Julia Davis Hodges

Sunrise May 30, 1928 – Sunset January 19, 2026

Margaret Julia (Davis) Hodges was born on May 30,1928 in Wilmington, N.C. to the late Julia Davis and John Henry Prioleau. The family later moved to Eastover, S.C. where her parents were sharecroppers and her father was a minister. Her mother passed away when she was 14 years old and she was sent to Richmond, VA to live with her Uncle Fred. Next, she went to live with her Aunt Lilia Davis in Portland CT.  She graduated from Portland High School. She also went to a Music School where she learned to play the piano.

Professional Life

She was a fantastic cook, so she worked for many Jewish Families. She worked at Middlesex Memorial Hospital as a Nurse’s Aide. She worked at Cromwell Crest, now Autumn Lake and the Children’s Home in Cromwell. Later in life she would take care of the elderly.

Marriage

Her Aunt Lilia Johnson was a founding member of True Vine FBH Church in Portland. Her aunt’s house was across the street from the church. She accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour at 14 years old. Through fellowship with local churches, she met her husband the late Robert Earl Hodges who was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Middletown. Once they decided to marry, she told him she was not leaving her church, so he left his church and joined True Vine FBH Church. They were married on Sept 25, 1952. They lived in Middletown for a while and found a house in Cromwell that they liked but no one would sell to them. A white woman who is now deceased stood up for them to get the house. The original house burned down and The Rev., he was a bricklayer built the present house. All we asked for was a fireplace and 2 bathrooms, and that is what he did.  He told her never to sell it to anyone. Through hard times she was able to hold onto this house. Their home was authorized Foster Parent Home…she would tell people she fostered over 70 children. They had 3 children Robin Louise, Elaine Denise Weldon and Robert Michael Hodges, Jr. They adopted two children Robin Rae and Aaron (deceased). Two girls from Africa Mary and her sister Beatrice (deceased). Her hobbies were cooking, making quilts and gardening. She was known at stores in Cromwell because she would buy wilted plants and she was Lazurus with them. In her 90s she went to the Cromwell Senior Center where she took a quilting class and an exercise class. She made many new friends of which MaryAnn, who is Catholic, tried to teach her the Rosary. She enjoyed being with these new friends.

Christian Life

Mother Hodges joined True Vine FBH Church in Portland, CT in 1938. After marriage her husband was sent to Springfield, Mass and started a church. It is St. Rachel FBH Church founded in the 60’s. Her husband was sent to Pastor other churches Mr. Moriah in New London, CT and Mt. Sinai in Mt. Vernon where he acquired their present location. She was a Missionary First and YPI President next. She loved the young people and encouraged them to get saved. She was appointed Pastor of St. Rachel FBH Church in 2002. She would travel to Springfield every weekend in order for the doors of the church to be open for members and visitors. In Springfield she would fellowship with Rev. C. Cooley, Pastor of United Temple Church of God in Christ and Dr. Mark E. Flowers, Pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and Rev. Fred and Evangelist Esther Mitchell. Springfield College came every fall and cleaned up the yard and one of the students painted a Cross on the church's front door. During over 80 years of servitude, she has been dedicated to the will of God. She has traveled to Israel (3 times), Germany, The Netherlands, The Virgin Islands and Bermuda. She has traveled to California and Jamaica for over 30 years. And for Jamaica each year she brought a suitcase and money for the churches in Jamaica. When hurricanes hit Jamaica, she would send items people requested. When asked if she gets tired, she replies with a big smile on her face: Not at all! I love every bit of it. In her final days in the hospital, she told the doctor she must get better because she has to go to Los Angeles Mother is a true example of humility. Her words of encouragement are as follows Fight on my soul, till death shall bring thee to thy God Remember, Age doesn’t matter in Christ Jesus. Do all you can do for Christ; He will give you the energy you need to do his will. On January 19th, 2026, at 3:30AM God said “Good and faithful servant it is time for you to come to your heavenly home.” She was surrounded by Robin, Rae and nephew Willie, Jr. She is preceded in death by her husband Rev. Robert Earl Hodges, children Beatrice Hodges and Aaron Hodges. Siblings Jesse Davis and his wife Sallie, Junnie May Taylor, Herbert Prioleau and Willie Prioleau. Grandchildren Moses Hodges, Michael Ousley and Shante Hodges. She leaves behind Robin L. Hodges of NYC, Robert M. Hodges who lives in Europe, Elaine Weldon and Mary Hodges of Springfield, MA. and Robin Rae Hodges of New Britain, CT. She has 21 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren. Her sister-in-law Donna Prioleau. Her special neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Putnam, who have always looked out for her and her family. Pastor Rachel Duncan who was one of the caregivers. Elder Mark Ballew who she said when she entered his car that it was hers and she would take all his change. He never hesitated to drive her South or be her flying companion. Sis. Rosalie Sutton who would spend weekends with her at St. Rachel F. B.H. Church. Dr. Richard Coleman who traveled with her to St. Thomas. Her “Special Son” Bro. Leroy David known as Bro. Benjamin. Her Goddaughter Dana. A host of relatives and friends. And this Grand Ole Fire Baptized Holiness Church Family.

Services

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, February 4th from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm at the Cromwell Funeral Home, 506 Main Street, Cromwell.

Homegoing services will be held on Thursday, February 5th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Cross Street AME Zion Church, 440 West Street, Middletown.  Burial will follow in the State Veteran Cemetery.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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