Atkinson County GaArchives Obituaries.....Hodge, Mary Lou Browning December 2, 2015
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Shirley McMillan Durden http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00025.html#0006039 May 17, 2024, 11:13 am

Atkinson County Citizen - December 24, 2015
  Mrs. Mary Lou Browning Hodge, age 78 of Pearson, GA passed away Wednesday, 
December 2, 2015, at the home of her daughter in Pearson, GA after an extended 
illness.
 Born October 27, 1937, in Coffee County, GA, Mrs. Mary Lou was the daughter of 
Charlie and Myrtle McKinnon Browning. She had made her home in 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 
expended 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, Marry 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 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; 1 sister, Ione Browning Giddens.
 Survivors include: Husband, Archie Hodge, Jr. of Pearson; two sons, Steve Lott 
of Douglasville, Kyle and wife Andrea of Pearson; two daughters, Bonnie Rowe and 
husband Mike of Pearson, Lavonda Cravey and husband Jimmy of Pearson; step-son, 
Jimmy Hodge of Douglas; step-daughter, Vickie Walker of Pearson; eight 
grandchildren, John Rowe, Jake Rowe, Jame Burch, Kaitlyn Lott, Theorayn Lott, 
Christopher Cravey, Alana Cravey and Alex Cravey, eight 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 5, 2015, at 11 
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” rendered by Michael Johnson 
(keyboards) and “Everybody will be Happy Over There” rendered by Bob Andrews 
(guitar) and Michael Johnson (keyboards). Soft 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 Mizen, James Joyce and Rowan Sirmans.
 Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, GA was in charge of the arrangements.






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