Wanda Hodges

Wanda Joyce Hodges went to be with her Lord and Savior after a short battle with cancer on December 14, 2009. She was surrounded by her children and loving family, who showed her love and devotion until the end. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 15, from 6-8 p.m., at Grace Gardens Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 16, at 1 p.m., at Grace Gardens Funeral Home with Chaplain Jim Millsaps officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Antioch Cemetery in Mt. Calm.
Wanda Joyce Hodges was born on February 9, 1944 in Waco, Texas. She was the youngest of 5 children. Wanda married Durward “Buddy” Benson on May 21, 1959, and together they had 5 children and 8 grandchildren. Wanda had a loving heart and was a loving mother with a very giving nature. She was always available and willing to give all she had to anyone in need. She had a large family and a huge circle of friends who loved her very much, and a faithful dog (Maggie) that was at her side until the end. Wanda spent most of her life caring for her family and always put her children first. She loved dancing, going to casinos, and cooking. She married Joe Hodges on “some Friday night in June” in 1976, and spent many years together until his death in 2000.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Maggie Spencer; her sister Dorothy Davis; brother Sammy Spencer; brother Billy Ray Spencer; grandson Joshua Wayne Seman; husband Joe Edd Hodges; and loving companion Harold Balch.
Wanda is survived by her sons Durward Wayne Benson Jr. of Waco, Curtis James Benson of New Mexico, and Kenneth Raymond Benson of Waco; daughters Melany Joyce Seman and husband Edward of Danbury, Connie Holder of Waco; brother Sonny Spencer of Waco; grandchildren Amanda, Makenzie, and Spencer Seman, James “Hoot” Holder Jr., Briana and Iain Benson, Lucus Benson; and one great granddaughter expected in May, Emily Grace Richardson; one great goddaughter Raelyn Holder; daughter-in-law Rima Benson of New Mexico; stepdaughter Donna Shotwell of Waco; sister-in-law Delores Jackson of China Spring; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Nana.
Pallbearers will include Edward Seman, Donald Buchanan, Jimmie Jackson, Billy Ray Scott, Brett Daniel, and James Holder Sr. Honorary pallbearers will include Wanda’s grandsons, James Holder Jr., Iain Benson, Spencer Seman, and Lucus Benson.
Special thanks to Vista Care Hospice and her family that gave her special care during this difficult time.
Any loved ones unable to attend the services may watch a live broadcast at www.gracegardensfh.com.

Visitation

Tuesday December 15, 2009 , 6-8 pm at Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel

Funeral Service

Wednesday December 16, 2009 , 1:00 pm at Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel

Burial will follow at Mt. Antioch Cemetery in Mt. Calm