Mary Hodge, 68, was called home to our loving Father on Friday, July 10, 2026, peacefully at her home surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.
Born in Bangkok, Thailand, as Supanee Poonmaganont, Mary made the courageous journey to the United States as an adolescent, leaving behind her mother and two brothers. Arriving without knowing a word of English, she worked tirelessly to learn the language and embraced every opportunity this country offered. She was deeply proud to call America home and never forgot the determination it took to build a new life.
Not long after, she met the love of her life, Marty Hodge. Together they built a life centered on faith, love, and family. As the wife of the pastor of Union Presbyterian Church, Mary faithfully stood beside Marty throughout his ministry, encouraging him and serving others with a joyful heart. She loved her church and considered it an extension of her family.
More than anything, Mary loved her family. She was incredibly proud of her daughters, Kelly Staggs and Erin Martin, her “favorite” son-in-law Daniel Martin, and found her greatest joy in being “Memaw” to her five grandchildren: Anna, Taylor, Matthew, Molly, and Charlotte. She celebrated every milestone, treasured every visit, and never missed an opportunity to tell others how proud she was of them.
Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Marty Hodge; her daughters, Kelly Staggs and Erin Martin (Daniel); her cherished grandchildren; her father, Gerald Brown (Mabel); brother, Victor Brown; and sister, Cheryl Ridgeway (Charles). Mary was preceded in death by her birth mother Laor, her adoptive mother Faye, and her stepmother Mary.
To so many, she was simply “Mrs. Mary.” Her smile and her blunt honesty were her trademarks, and she had a way of introducing herself by saying, “Mom, Mrs. Mary, or Memaw”—titles she wore with pride. She never met a stranger. Whether you had known her for years or had just met her, she had a gift for making you feel welcome and cared for. Her kindness was genuine, her love was generous, and her laughter was contagious.
Mary was a strong, hardworking woman who took great pride in caring for her home and the people in it. She loved flowers and found peace in tending her garden, keeping a beautiful home, and creating a place where family and friends always felt welcome. She was fiercely loyal and would never hesitate to defend the people she loved.
Mary’s life was a reflection of bold strength, unwavering faith, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and devotion that will continue to live on in the lives of those who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and the community that knew and loved “Mrs. Mary.”
Her Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Union Presbyterian Church, 4501 M.L. King, Jr. Highway, Salters, SC 29590, followed by burial in the church cemetery. Mary’s family will receive family and friends from 6 to 8 PM, Friday, July 17th at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree.
Memorials may be made to Union Presbyterian Church, c/o Mrs. Diane Boyd, 114 E. Brooks Street, Kingstree, SC 29556. Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituary page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.