- Date Of Birth: July 31, 1917
- Date Of Death: April 17, 2013
- State: Texas
Josephine Mecey Hodges, 95, went to be with the Lord on April 17, 2013, with her family by her side in Dallas, Texas. She was born July 31, 1917 in Austin, Texas to John and Bertha Mecey.
Josephine was a smart and beautiful young lady that worked for her father at the fruit market in Austin, and later worked in the PX at Camp Swift in Bastrop County.
On October 1, 1944 at St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Austin, Texas, Josephine married Philip Hodges and they soon moved to Dallas, Texas, where Josephine gave birth to four daughters who adored her.
Josephine’s family was her world. She was the caretaker and matriarch of the family. What “Mama Jo” said was how it was going to be. Besides her doting family, Josephine surrounded herself with friends. It was not uncommon for friends to stop by for some hot coffee and whatever delicious baked goods Mama Jo had made that day.
Josephine loved to cook. Whether it was a frosted cake or a big pot of grape leaves; you could always find her in the kitchen. She taught herself to make all of the traditional Greek foods by going to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and learning the cooking methods from the other ladies at the church.
Holy Trinity was a special place for her. She was an active member of the church and devoted much time to helping prepare for the annual Greek Food Festival, where she held an active chair position for many years.
Josephine is preceded in death by her husband Philip Hodges; brothers Saliba, Gus, Sam, Mike, and Jimmy; as well as her sister Mary Van Ripper; and beloved niece Cathy Mecey.
She is survived by her brothers Louis Mecey; sister Lorraine Dick; her daughters and their spouses Bertha Ann, Shirley Jo, Phyllis and husband Vince Aurentz, and Yvonne and husband Richard Lee Schifelbein. Josephine was blessed with three grandchildren and their spouses; Erin and husband Scott Ragsdale, Phillip and wife Keisha Aurentz, and Angela Aurentz. She was also a great grandmother to three beautiful great grandchildren; Aidan and Riley Ragsdale and Noah Aurentz.
Josephine was a beautiful lady that touched the lives of so many.
Josephine touched so many lives throughout her 95 years, including all of her doctors that saw her through her many health issues. These talented, intelligent doctors cared for her with love and patience: Dr. Miers, Dr. Brockie, Dr. Sahadi, Dr. Cohn, and Dr. Ferris, along with all the wonderful staff at Doctors Hospital, are greatly appreciated for their kindness and compassion they showed Josephine.
Sunday, April 21st, 2013, 7:00pm – 8:00pm, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox
Monday, April 22nd, 2013, 10:00am, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox
Restland Memorial Park
