Mary Lou Browning Hodge

 Mrs. Mary Lou Browning Hodge, age 78 of Pearson, Ga. passed away Wednesday, December 02, 2015 at the home of her daughter in Pearson, Ga. after an extended illness.   Born October 27, l937 in Coffee County Ga., Mrs. Mary Lou was the daughter of Charlie and Myrtle Mckinnon Browning. She had made her home in the Pearson for most of her life and was a member of Ozias Freewill Baptist Church.   Mary Lou was a prominent and important fixture in the local community and its economy for nearly 50 years as the owner and operator of her own businesses and in various other social ventures.  In the early 1970s, she opened “The Sewing Basket,” her first sewing, fabric, and supply business. A few years later, she expanded her business to a larger location down the street and opened “Mary Lou’s Style, Stitchery & Gift Shop” which added clothing and gifts to the sewing and fabric business. This business was a staple in downtown Pearson for many years and serves as a fond memory for many people who traded with Mary Lou and often dropped by just to talk or catch up on the town’s business.   In the early 1990s, Mary Lou again expanded her business and moved further north to the corner of Main Street and Lott Avenue. Located at Pearson’s “new red light,” this business featured more gifts, clothing, and outdoor plants. Mary Lou also opened her own plant nursery for selling higher volume of outdoor plants and shrubbery while at this location, and the nursery was located on the Old Pearson-Douglas Highway. She also began selling flowers and opened a full service florist business at this location. With the help of friends and family, Mary Lou’s Florist created many memorable floral arrangements and provided comfort to many families over the years on both sad and happy occasions.   Whether it be sponsoring an athletic program, or taking part in one herself, Mary Lou was devoted to helping the community and its citizens in any way possible. Her strong work ethic and devotion to her community were only surpassed by her love of family and being able to provide for them. Her legacy of community service and her devotion to friends, family, and Atkinson County will not ever be forgotten.   She was preceded in death by 5 brothers, C. W. Browning, Tommy Browning, Henry Browning, Clayton Browning, and Lavon Browning and l sister, Ione Browning Giddens.   Survivors include: Husband: Archie Hodge, Jr. of Pearson, Ga. 2 Sons: Steve Lott of Douglasville, Ga.                         Kyle Lott and wife Andrea of Pearson, Ga. 2 Daughters: Bonnie Rowe and husband Mike of Pearson, Ga.                                          Lavonda Cravey and husband Jimmy of Pearson, Ga. Step-Son: Jimmy Hodge of Douglas, Ga. Step-Daughter: Vickie Walker of Pearson, Ga. 8 Grandchildren: John Rowe, Jake Rowe, Jayme Burch, Kaitlyn Lott, Theorayn Lott, Christopher Cravey, Alana Cravey, and Alex Cravey. 8 Great Grandchildren: Justice Rowe, Lily Rowe, Layla Rowe, Lanier Rowe, Lucy Burch, Jack Burch, Luke Cravey, and Cadence Cravey. Several nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.   Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Lou were held Saturday, December 05, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at Ozias Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Johnson officiating. The eulogy was given by Mr. Buddy Browning nephew of Mary Lou. Special musical selections included “ I Won’t Have to Worry Anymore” and “ I’ll Fly Away” rendered by Michael Johnson (keyboards) and “Everybody will be Happy Over There” rendered by Bob Andrews (guitar) and Michael Johnson (keyboards).  Soft music for the Prelude and the Postlude was played by Michael Johnson on the keyboards. The interment followed in Sweetwater Cemetery.   Serving as active pallbearers were: Bennie Reliford, Randy Taft, Paul Mizell, Roy Haskins, Morris Browning and James Gore, Jr.. Honorary pallbearers were: Sandra Ursrey, Charlie Bray, Julian Haskins, Tracy Taylor, Pat Cooper, Charlie Mizell, James Joyce and Rowan Sirmans.   Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.