It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Virginia “Ginny” Drewry Hodges, a beloved and one-of-a-kind human with the greatest heart who brought great joy to everyone around her. Virginia, 89, of Rocky Mount passed away on the morning of Tuesday, April 22, 2025 after a recent battle with cancer.
Born in Rocky Mount on October 1, 1935 to Thelma and Pedro Drewry, she was known for her big heart and spunky personality. She attended Franklin County High School before taking business classes and working at Leggett’s and Rexall Drugstore, and she was a Baptist church member. She was incredibly giving and thoughtful to everyone around her, an avid advocate for helping those in need including animals (she loved feeding the neighborhood pets and had many beloved cats and “grand dogs” over the years). She was an incredible caregiver to her loved ones especially to her husband James who battled Alzheimer’s for nearly a decade before passing away in 2009. The longevity of his life is truly a testament to her love, care, and dedication she had (an always would) for him.
Virginia was a child at heart who loved the Sunday morning “funnies” (especially Garfield and Charlie Brown). She was always eager to read the Roanoke Times and tackle the crossword of the day in pen (so long as it wasn’t too easy). Holidays were her favorite, especially Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter (her wedding anniversary is Christmas day!) Her house was always decorated top to bottom with the most beautiful, charming pieces that she collected over the years; many of which were bought at auctions and antique stores that she and James frequented together as a favorite pastime. Some of her favorite things they collected included beautiful antique glassware, handmade wooden furniture, and character ceramic cookie jars (like Snoopy and Mickey). Virginia also loved old films, especially Gone with the Wind and others with actors like Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. She also enjoyed watching crime shows like Law and Order SVU, Murder She Wrote, and Columbo.
Virginia never took life too seriously and she made each day fun even if it was doing simple things. She took pride in cleanliness and order, and she always made sure her outfits matched from her top to her socks. Her family was her joy, and she treasured her time with them. She and her granddaughters have made many silly, zany memories over the years, including scribbling funny faces on fancy royalty books together, collecting “fuzz” from the dryer, and using “idiot” as an endearing term- life was always fun with Ma Hodges. After moving to Tennessee to be closer to her family, she and her granddaughters (along with her great-grandchildren) started a tradition of “coffee and cookies” on Saturdays. She loved little butter cookies and dipping them in her coffee, and oh how she loved her great grandbabies (even those in the womb). She made life so lighthearted and fun; there will never be another like Ma Hodges.
Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, James Dallas “J.D.” Hodges of 70 years; brothers, P.M. Drewry and Thomas Drewry; sister, Elizabeth Shively (Hillard); sister-in-law, Louise Bowles (Carlton); brother-in-law, Earl Hodges; and granddaughter, Mylah McNeese. She is survived by her son, Dan Hodges; daughter, Lisa Hodges Masters (Jim); grandchildren, Paige McNeese (Brian), Chelsea Shepard (Matthew), Cody Hodges; great-grandchildren, Callie McNeese, Camden McNeese, and Evelyn Shepard (due in July); brother, Richard Drewry; sisters-in-law, Judy Drewry, Judy Hodges, and Maxine Drewry; special neighbors, Dumpy Betterton (Larry), Catrina and Ron Wallace; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
We grieve the loss of a great woman with an endearing legacy. Virginia will never be forgotten and will remain in our hearts until we can be reunited with her in Heaven. We love you more than Friday-Thursday, Ma.
Respecting Virginia’s wishes, the family will be having a private graveside service. Donations may be made to the National Humane Society or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in honor of her love for animals and her wish to find a cure for Alzheimer’s.
Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.