Mary Louise Hodges

July 5, 1939-August 16, 2024

After a long struggle with Alzheimer’s, Louise Pickens Hodges, passed away on August 16, 2024. Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mary Pickens, and her oldest brother, James H. Pickens, Sr.

Louise was born in Amory Mississippi. The family moved to Birmingham when she was around three about nine years later moved to Moody, Alabama. Louise attended Moody School through junior high then completed high school at St. Clair County High School. After graduation she continued her education at Jacksonville State University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree. She received her Master’s Degree from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Her career as an educator continued for twenty-one years. During those years she taught in elementary, high school and college. Louise’s second career was with State Farm Insurance. She joined State Farm as an agent and within a couple years she was promoted to State Farm’s first female agent manager in Alabama. In 2013 after thirty-three years with State Farm as Agent Manager and as an Agent Louise retired.

Louise had an outgoing personality with a love of travel and adventure. She loved travel with her family and friends especially her son. She is survived by her loving son, Jason Mack (better known as Jay) Hodges, a brother Mack E. Pickens, Sr. Benton, Kansas, her sisters Jane Pickens Barker (Vernon) Moody, Alabama , Betty Pickens Smith (Roger) Leeds, Alabama, sister-in-law, Agnes J. Pickens(Mrs. James H. Pickens, Sr.), Leeds, Alabama and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are at Kilgroe Funeral Home in Leeds Alabama on Sunday, August 25, 2024. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. with the funeral services to begin at 2:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Moody Cemetery in Moody Alabama.