Essie Muriel Hodge

August 22, 1927 - January 16, 2021

Essie Muriel Hodge, age 93, passed away January 16, 2021 at Oak Tree Villas in Jefferson City, Mo. Muriel was born on August 22,1927 in Safe, Mo. the daughter of Mae (Wools) and Robert Bullock. On December 21, 1946 Muriel married Ellsworth Hodge in a dual wedding ceremony shared with her brother Emmitt and Imogene (Glenn)Bullock. Muriel and Ellsworth had two children a daughter, Sandy Rankin, and a son, John F. Hodge. A lifelong resident of St. James Muriel graduated John F. Hodge High School in 1946. She received her Bachelor's Degree in 1961 from, Lincoln University Jefferson City, Mo. and continued her education with a certification in special education. Muriel taught in several one room schools before teaching in the St. James Public Schools System having taught a total of thirty-seven and a half years before retiring. In addition to her teaching, Muriel was a former member of the St. James Civic Club, The Missionary Mite Society, Veteran of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, Missouri State Teachers Association, served as Director of Vacation Bible School and taught Sunday School at the Christian Church in St. James. Survivors include her daughter, Sandy Rankin of Jefferson City, Mo., four granddaughters Penny Doty Little of Jefferson City, Mo., Amy (Ryan) Burcham of Wentzville, Mo., Michelle (Sean) Huffman Lee Summit, Mo., and Brandy Hodge of Olathe, Kansas. Muriel is also survived by seven great grandchildren Madison, McKinley and Riley Doty, Braden and Brooklyn Burcham, Jaden and Cayman Claire. Muriel is preceded in death by her loving husband Ellsworth Hodge, her son John F. Hodge, her parents, Robert and Mae Bullock, five sibling Ethel Tivis, Edna Hendrix, Fred Seddon, Everette and Emmitt Bullock and several nieces and nephews. A private service will be held for family due to covid. Interment will be in the St. James Cemetery between her husband and son's graves. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. James Caring Center.