Joseph C. Hodge Sr.

Honoring the Life of Deacon Joseph C. Hodge Sr. Joseph C. Hodge Sr. was born to Clifton Sr. and Hattie Hodge on June 23, 1930 in Blakley Georgia. Joseph was one of 11 sibling and grew up working on his family’s farm. After graduating from Washington High School Joseph enlisted in the United States Army where he served in Artillery. As a child, Joseph was baptized at Bright Star Baptist Church in Blakley Georgia. Joseph was a dedicated member of Second Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church where he joined in 1961 and was a faithful member for 58 years. At Second Tabernacle Joseph served as a Deacon, member of the Trustee Board, Male Chorus and Sunday school. Joseph was also a member of the Community Prayer Band where he served faithfully. Joseph also spent countless hours praying and visiting the sick, he also took time to visit the sick even when he was not feeling well himself. Joseph Hodge was a hardworking family man with a relentless work ethic. After relocating to Cleveland, Ohio in 1953 Joseph was employed as a construction worker for Stratman Construction Company, shortly after Joseph and his brother Clifton started a successful family business, J & C Sewer and Trenching. Joseph was also the proprietor of Miles Building Supply and Construction where he was in business for over 60 years. Joseph enjoyed fishing, hunting, swimming, traveling and spending time with his family. Joseph also enjoyed cooking and was known for baking pound cakes and his collard greens and field peas. He was preceded in death by parents; Clifton and Hattie Hodge, son, Charles Medley (Daphnie) three sister’s Ida Wilson, Ileane, Walker, Altimease McKnight, brother’s Will Hodge, Richard Hodge, Clifton Hodge Jr., and Sylvester Hodge Sr., as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Joseph leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Geneva Hodge whom he loved dearly. Two daughters Carolyn Holmes, and Brinetta Carlton (Al). Two sons Joseph Hodge Jr., Reggie Hodge, Eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Joseph’s memory will also be treasured by his surviving siblings Eulaties Pittmon, of Albany Georgia, Norean Evans (Willie Frank), Marcellus Hodge Sr. (Lucretia Hodge) son in law Charles Brown and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. This song was taught to the Hodge siblings as children. During the Hodge family meetings this song is sung and taught to the family members present. This song will be passed on to the next generation as our theme song. The song is sang as a Negro spiritual and the words “()” brackets are repeated behind the leader. I’ve Got To Cross That Lonely River I’m going over (I’m going over) some glad morning (by and by), to meet my record (to meet my record) on that sure (on that sure). To wear a crown (to wear a crown) my soul is do it (when I die), or be cast out (or be cast out) forever more (forever more). I’ve got to cross (I’ve got to cross) that lonely river (by and by). I’ve got to cross it (I’ve got to cross) on a lonely day (cross on a lonely day). I don’t know how (I don’t know how) to guide my passage (when I die). But I know my Lord (I know my Lord) will be there (will be there) if I pray (if I pray). Lord I don’t want (Lord I don’t want), to be a sinner (lost in sin). I want to walk (I want to walk) that glorious way (that glorious way). I want to be (I want to be) pronounced a winner (when I die) when done it all (when down it all) for judgment day (for judgment day). I’ve got to cross (I’ve got to cross) that lonely river (by and by). I’ve got to cross it (I’ve got to cross) on a lonely day (cross on a lonely day). I don’t know how (I don’t know how) to guide my passage (when I die). But I know my Lord (I know my Lord) will be there (will be there) if I pray (if I pray). Though in the wil- (though in the wil-) derness of mourning (buy and buy). My savior’s love (my savior’s love), will pilot for me (will pilot for me). I’ll see my home (I’ll see my home) beyond the drawing (when I die). When done it all (when done it all) for judgment day (for judgment day). I’ve got to cross (I’ve got to cross) that lonely river (by and by). I’ve got to cross it (I’ve got to cross) on a lonely day (cross on a lonely day). I don’t know how (I don’t know how) to guide my passage (when I die). But I know my Lord (I know my Lord) will be there (will be there) if I pray (if I pray).