Louise Hodges Grafton

It is with mixed feelings of sadness and joy that we share the passing of our beloved mother, Louise Hodges Grafton, who, at the age of 92, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025. Born on July 2, 1933 in Hebron, Mississippi to John and Delcie Hodges, Louise, lived a life of love, both the genuine love she felt and demonstrated for others, and the love all who knew her felt for her. We celebrate in the fact that she is now with the two greatest loves in her life – her Savior, Jesus Christ, and her husband, Burl.

Louise had a way of positively influencing any activity or organization in which she was involved, whether it be her church, her children’s schools, or Pascagoula High School, where she served as a bookkeeper for many years. Louise found happiness and purpose serving as the backbone of her family, supporting her husband and preparing her children for their own lives of success

After her husband’s untimely death and Hurricane Katrina hitting the Gulf Coast in the same year, Louise relocated to her final home at St. Catherine’s Village in Madison, MS where she enjoyed some of her closest friendships. In her later years especially, she benefited from the support and care of so many nurses, aids and other staff who showed their love to her on a daily basis.

Perhaps her greatest joy and the place where she will leave the most powerful legacy is through the lives of her 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 3 great, great grandchildren. The positive differences they make in the world will be directly related to the things she taught them through her love and example.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband of almost 52 years, Burl Grafton and two brothers, John and Eugene Hodges. She is survived by her sister Elaine Sims; four children, Ricky Grafton (Brenda), Steve Grafton (Carol), Lori Bragg (Eric), and Jeremy Grafton (Ginger); and 34 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland, MS on Wednesday morning, October 1 at 11:00. The family will accept visitors beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Interment will be at Jackson County Memorial Gardens in Pascagoula, MS on Thursday morning, October 2. A short graveside service at the Chapel Mausoleum will begin at 11:00 a.m. In In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice.