Virginia Hodges

ORAN, Mo. -- Virginia Ann Hodges, 66, of Oran passed away Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital, surrounded by family and friends.

She was born Oct. 3, 1936, at Fornfelt, Mo., daughter of the late Leo and Rose Mae Wright Abernathy.

Virginia worked at Thorngate Ltd. in Chaffee, Mo., 13 years. She retired as a cook from Ingram Barge Line in 1998. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Oran.

Her passions included cooking, gardening, and her dog, Charlie. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by three daughters and a son, Carla Lorentz of Houston, Texas, Brenda Cook of Oran, Don Abernathy of Apple Valley, Calif., and Dodie Hodges of Cape Girardeau. She has four brothers, Bill Abernathy of Chester, Ill., Chuck Abernathy of Grand Tower, Ill., Joe Abernathy of McClure, Ill., and the late Bob Abernathy of Cape Girardeau. She has a sister, Doris Christy of Scott City; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran. The Rev. Ed Carter will officiate. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery at Commerce, Mo.