Dartha Nell (Thrift) Hodge

Dartha Nell Hodge, aka Dot, Mom, Memaw, and friend, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Dot was born at home in Blackshear, Georgia to John Riley and Mary Thrift on August 6, 1940. She was the youngest of five children and the only daughter.

Dot graduated from Blackshear High School in 1959. She met her husband, Rommie, while in school and they married on November 18, 1960. Rommie was in the Navy and thus her adventure as a military wife began. While stationed in Great Lakes, Illinois in 1971, she decided she wanted to become a cosmetologist. She eventually opened her own shops in Pensacola, Florida: Colonial Beauty Salon and M.D. Hair Designs, retiring in 2022 after 51 years of doing what she loved. Her clients were more than customers; they were her friends.

Some of Dot’s hobbies were working in her flower garden, jewelry-making, square dancing, scrapbooking, and traveling with great friends: Frank and Carleen Hansford and Marshall and Delores Welford.

Dot gave her life to Jesus at a young age and served him faithfully until the very end. She attended Gonzalez Baptist Church where she was involved in many areas of ministry, including teaching Sunday School. She most recently attended Harvest Christian Center where she was well loved.

She is preceded in death by her parents; John Riley Thrift and Mary Mock Thrift; and her brothers, Charles, Casper “Cap” and Carroll Thrift.

Dot is survived by her husband of 65 years, Rommie; her son, Wayne (Robbie) Hodge; her daughter, Mary Ann (Anthony) Harris; four grandchildren, Kendal, Jimmie, Billie, and Riley; five great grandchildren, Trey, Laedin, Zaylin, Josie, and Harrison; and her brother, Ray Thrift.

Funeral services for Mrs. Hodge will be Friday afternoon, March 27, 2026, at 3:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Bishop R. B. Gaskins officiating.

The family will be receiving guests in the chapel one hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow in Blackshear City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kendal Hodge, Jimmie Trawick, Billie Trawick, Riley Hodge, Laedin Jordan, and Trey Trawick.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hodge family during this time.

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