Johnnie Kate Clemons Hodge

Johnnie was an active member of her church and in the community. She along with her late husband, Henry, owned H & J Trucking Company in 1966 before working at Ford Motor Company for a number of years, but her true calling in life was helping children.

She worked with her church's associate pastor and founded the Youth Unlimited Group which won various awards for their involvement in helping the community. They worked throughout the community from helping clean up alleys to bringing her children to various churches to sing. Over the course of several decades Johnnie, along with her family, helped foster over 200 children. She never turned down a child in need. Her true passion in life was her church and children.

Johnnie will always be remembered as a kind and compassionate woman who opened her home and heart to any child. Her impact on the lives of children across metro Detroit over the years will never be forgotten and she will be truly missed by all those who knew her.

Johnnie is survived by her cherished children Alice Elaine (Ricky) Myers, Evelyn (James) Pulcher, Syretta (Kelvin) Grant, Kennetta (Scott) Bergeron and Tracy Katie Hodge. Beloved Banny (grandma) to Bená Hodge, Aleta Thompson, Kayla Bergeron, íanah Harris, Skye Grant and great grandma to Nieya Thompson. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Johnnie is preceded in death by her husband Henry, parents and siblings.

Johnnie's family will receive friends on Thursday March 22, 2012 from 4-9pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 34567 Michigan Ave (east of Wayne Rd.) in Wayne.

She will lie in state on Friday March 23, 2012 from 10:30am until the time of her funeral service at 11am at Romulus Community Baptist, 6200 Forth Street in Romulus.

She will be laid to rest at Mt. Hope Memorial Gardens in Livonia immediately following the service.