Ms. Louise Hodges Majors

July 21, 1922 - July 30, 2015

CLAXTON: Mary Louise Majors, 93, was born in Claxton, Georgia on July 21, 1922. Her father, Tommie Dewey Hodges, had returned from the Great War, relatively unscathed, as his only service was at Fort Screven on Tybee Island. Her mother, Ursula Edwards Hodges, a one room school teacher, became a devoted Mother to Louise and her two brothers, Willis and Tommie. Louise attended school in Claxton, graduating from Claxton High School in 1939. She attended college at Valdosta State College and married her high school sweetheart, Raymond Majors, in February of 1942, before he left to serve in World War II. Raymond Junior was born in December of 1942, as the war raged in Europe. Raymond and Louise were stationed at bases in Oklahoma, Texas and South Dakota, while Raymond helped to procure essential supplies and parts for planes headed to the battlefield. Raymond, Jr., was followed by Susan, Tommy and Matt. Louise was very active in school activities, participating in PTA, sports events, Cub Scouts and Church activities. She served as President of the United Methodist Women and received a Lifetime Membership Pin. In 1974, Louise took a position with the Department of Family and Children’s Services where she worked until 1984. She was later named to their Board of Directors and served on the board until 2014. She made lasting friendships and worked tirelessly to assist her clients. She also served for many years on the Board of Directors for Brewton Cemetery, a service that was close to her heart. She was in charge of the Food Bank at the First Methodist Church for a number of years as well. Louise was fun-loving, adventurous and a strong individual. She had a quick wit and a twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes that indicated she loved to make people laugh. She enjoyed traveling immensely to such sites as Hawaii, London, Canada, San Francisco, The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone Park. She couldn’t wait to take a ride in Frank and Cindy Henry’s Hot Air Balloon. She began driving when she was barely 12, driving her Dad on the dirt roads that ran from Claxton to Savannah! During her teens, her Dad owned a car dealership and she could be seen driving the convertibles. She and Raymond took great pleasure in dancing and made quite a turn on the dance floor. She spent countless hours in her yard, growing beautiful geraniums, daylilies and azaleas. Louise had many wonderful attributes which enabled her to enjoy life and make life better for those around her. She represented the best of the greatest generation. She practiced kindness at all times. She was gentle and caring to all people. She had a grateful heart, and never failed to express gratitude to others. She loved her hometown, calling it the “garden spot of the world,” the most wonderful place anyone could live. She was always forgiving. She was a true Southern Lady, gracious at all times. She was inherently unselfish. She dearly loved her church, which she attended regularly from birth up until a month ago. But, the greatest of her attributes was love. She gave it without reserve, or condition. Family was the core of her life, and she was the family’s compass. Through example she showed her family how a life of integrity and grace should be lived. Certainly her love and concern for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family was her most important legacy. She was a devoted friend who shared long friendships with so many of the great ladies of Claxton, including her closest friends, Beverly Freeman, Estelle Butler and Freida Padgett. Her social life was rich and included bridge games with lifelong friends, and monthly lunch adventures with a large circle of friends. Eight years ago, she and Beverly sold their homes and moved to a duplex apartment, where they enjoyed life with fewer responsibilities, and always found ways to be involved in Claxton’s social life, along with their friends, Jean Surrency and Joyce Green. Louise was never old. She loved life to the fullest, maintained great independence, and always took interest in her community and beyond. Louise and Raymond were married for 53 years, until his death in 1995. SURVIORS INCLUDE: Raymond (Sandy) Majors, Jr., Kristan Majors Chilcoat, and Claire Chilcoat, Shannon Stephens, Susan Majors (Ron) Strickland, Lauren Strickland (Greg) Fugate, and Charlotte Louise Fugate, Tommy Majors, Matthew (Jaime) Majors, Valerie Majors and Tyler Simpson, Madeline Majors (Chan) Godwin, dearly loved nieces and nephews, and best friend, Beverly Freeman. SPECIAL THANK YOU: The family would like to thank friend, Dessa Mainer, for her care of and support of their mother. Also, the family would like to express thanks to Ogeechee Area Hospice for the special care they gave our family and loved one. VISITATION: Saturday, August 1, 2015, 1:30-3:00 p.m., at Claxton First United Methodist Church. FUNERAL: Saturday, August 1, 2015, 3:00 p.m., at Claxton First United Methodist Church. BURIAL: Brewton Cemetery, Hagan, Ga. REMEMBRANCE: Claxton First United Methodist Church, 401 W. Main St., Claxton, Ga., 30417 or Brewton Cemetery, P. O. B. 978, Claxton, Ga., 30417 or Ogeechee Area Hospice, P. O. B. 531, Statesboro, Ga., 30459. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements “Our Family Serving Your Family” “Since 1917” (912) 739-3338 www.nesmithfuneralhome.com