Cleva June (Hampton) Hodge

Cleva June Hodge, 84, of Marshall, Michigan passed away on Monday, March 7, 2022 at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on June 20, 1937 to Elvis and Eva (Wilkins) Hampton in Marmaduke, Arkansas. June attended Greene County Tech School in Paragould, Arkansas.

June met Gerald Hodge in Paragould Arkansas just prior to the start of the Korean War. They corresponded while Gerald was in theatre with the Army and married soon after his return on December 3, 1954.

June and Gerald spent 37 years as caretakers of the UPCI Michigan District Campground. They were both active members of Christ Apostolic Church in Albion, including June’s work with the Ladies Auxiliary.

June enjoyed having guests over, especially the youth group that met at the church campground. She loved to cook for them and no one left with an empty stomach. One of her specialties was banana split cake. Many people mentioned that “amazing banana split cake” when responding to the news of her passing.

June joined owner Janice Darling for the opening of Darling and Daughter Variety Store, working the “lower level” toys and framing department where she became a familiar face to regular shoppers.

She will be truly missed for her love of family and children, being kind and a most gracious person.

Cleva June is survived by her children; Teresa (Michael) Hackworth of Marshall, Michigan and Kerry Hodge of Marshall, Michigan; her grandchildren; Dylan (Maureen) Hackworth of Chicago, Illinois and Sarah Hackworth of Marshall, Michigan and her sister; Shirley (Robert) Hudson of Paragould, Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Gerald, her siblings; Donald Hampton, Carolyn Hodge and Jack Hampton.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 13, 2022, from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, Michigan 49068. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 14, 2022, at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Rev. Terron Erwin and David Trammell officiating.

Burial will take place at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall, Michigan.

Memorials are suggested to the Christ Apostolic Church in Albion, Michigan.

Please visit https://kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.