Myra Blount Hodges, a resident of Greenville, died at home on November 21, 2011.
A native of Greenville, Myra was born on May 28, 1921, to Judson Hassell  and Clyde Stancil Blount. She was married to Howard Latham Hodges, Jr., her high school sweetheart, who died in 1991. She was the last living member of her family, predeceased by two sisters, Jean Blount and Lucy Williams Andrews and two brothers, Judson Hassell Blount, Jr. and Marion Orlando Blount.
Myra is survived by her three daughters, Diana Hodges Barwick and husband Jim of Morehead City, N.C., Myra Hodges Hill and husband John of Greenville, N.C., and Jean Hodges Coleman and husband Barr of Washington, N.C. She leaves her zest for life to eight grandchildren: Hope Barwick Tate and husband Kyle of Winter Garden, Florida and Jeff Barwick and wife Kat of Washington, N.C.; Hannah Hill Tubaugh and husband Stephen of Washington, N.C., Tyler Hill Young of Goldsboro, N.C., Grainger Hill of San Francisco, CA; Katie Coleman Koon and husband Austin of Raleigh, N.C., Jim Barr Coleman and wife Alice of Wilmington, NC and Taylor Coleman and wife Dorothy of Raleigh, N.C.
Though ready to move on, Myra said repeatedly that she hated not to see her thirteen great-grandchildren grow up. She left her mark on each and will be lovingly remembered as “Big Myra” to them all. They are Kyler and Cooper Tate, Georgia Hayes Barwick; Hodges and John Charles Tubaugh, Gray and Maxwell Young; Henry, Ollie, and Katherine Koon, Poppy and Gus Coleman, and George Coleman.
Young at heart til her last breath, Myra’s friends were of all ages and she delighted in the company of each. Out of her love for youth and a desire to introduce young folks to the love of Jesus, she was instrumental in bringing Young Life to Greenville. One of her favorite nighttime events was meeting with the youth group at Covenant Church. She was energized by them and they lovingly welcomed her into their midst.
She loved life and was a master at embracing and enjoying the small stuff. One of her last comments to those nearby was, “Hasn’t it been fun?”
The family is without adequate words to thank the many friends who have so generously shared their time, their gifts, and their kindnesses over these past months. Each and every thoughtful gesture was a blessing and appreciated.
There will be a service to celebrate the life of Myra at Covenant United Methodist Church on November 27, 2011 at 2:00 P.M and visitation to follow at the church.
Arrangements are by Wilkerson Funeral Home and Crematory, Greenville.
Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com.