Today we celebrate the life of Henrietta Lee (Davis) Hodge, affectionately known as Big Nana, who was born on August 27, 1917, in Laurinburg, North Carolina, and went home to be with the Lord on February 13, 2025.

She was predeceased by her mother Gertrude Davis and stepfather Ollie Sanders, Sr. (aka Alejandro Romano) and her siblings, Gertrude Davis Smith, Ollie Sanders Jr, Joseph Sanders, Clara Sanders Fuller, and Dorizar Sanders Gomes.

Henrietta was raised in a Christian family and respond to the pastor's call to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior at age nine. Her faith in God never wavered. Mother Hodge truly loved the Lord.

Henrietta enrolled at the historic Laurinburg Institute at age seven. She loved learning and was a voracious reader. The family migrated north, first to Raleigh, NC in 1927, stopping in New Jersey, reaching their final destination, Boston, MA, in 1929.

Several years after graduating from Girls High School in Roxbury, Henrietta married Harry Hodge and had 6 children: Gertrude Yvonne Hodge Mograss, John Robert Hodge, Harriet Hodge-Henry, Mary Alice Hodge, Barbara Jean Hodge (deceased), and Henrietta Lee Hodge.

Even though their marriage eventually ended in divorce, Henrietta spent her children's formative years as a stay at home mother. She taught us right from wrong. We were rich in family values, traditions and love. Occasionally, it was necessary for her to find work as a domestic to put food on the table. Henrietta also made our clothes on an old Singer sewing machine. As the matriarch and foundation of our family traditions, we were introduced to musical instruments like the piano, guitar, fife, and violin. And she taught us songs that we sing to this very day and instilled a legacy of learning and singing songs at every occasion.

Henrietta was a strict disciplinarian who instilled Christian values in her children. We were taught bible verses and had nightly family devotions. As a family unit, we attended Christ Temple Church of Personal Experience pastored by the late Dr. Rev. Fisher and later Rev. Laymon T. Hunter. Soon afterwards, Rev. Hunter founded Saint Luke's Christian Church. Henrietta and her family worshiped there. The family faithfully attended his church for over two decades and were members of the choir. Henrietta loved hymns. Her favorite gospel artist was Mahalia Jackson. Some favorite songs were: "In the Upper Room, Oh Happy Day, Goin' Up Yonder, I'm Running for My Life, and Do Lord Remember Me."

Attending several churches over the years, Henrietta eventually returned to Christ Temple where she was Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School. Henrietta's final church home was Zion Fire Holiness Church of God where she attended in 1929 when she and her family arrived in Boston. As Mother of the Church, she was a Sunday School teacher for the youth and even took part in church plays. Henrietta always shared her love of God with all.

Henrietta had the distinct honor of having a personal audience with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King when he visited Boston. She had been introduced by a family friend who'd been Dr. King's neighbor and babysitter in Atlanta, Georgia.

Henrietta's thirst for knowledge would not be denied. She took business and typing classes at night school, honing her typing skills at home on a rented Underwood typewriter which the company eventually allowed her to keep. Taking advantage of office skills training at a local college, the pursuit of excellence led her to achieve all the skills necessary to succeed. As a result of a high scoring Civil Service exam, she was one of a handful African Americans hired at the State of Massachusetts Department of Employment Security to work as an office clerk.Then Henrietta chose to pursue higher education. She attended evening classes on scholarship while working full-time days, setting an example to her children for the importance of obtaining higher education, while maintaining a strong work ethic. Persistence and determination paid off. In 1978, after taking one course at a time, Henrietta graduated from Northeastern University with an associate degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Obtaining a college degree afforded Henrietta the opportunity of advancement in her job. She is the only one of her siblings to attend and graduate from a university.

Retirement at age 75 ended a long fulfilling career assisting community residents to find meaningful employment, not just any old job. It was commonplace for Henrietta to be contacted by former job-seeking clients thanking her for helping them. And retirement didn't slow Henrietta down. Volunteering at Amazing Grace Christian School, becoming a Foster Grandparent to an autistic child, and being more active in her church were just a few of her involvements at that time.

Henrietta was recognized and honored by community organizations for contributions made throughout her lifetime. In May of 2004 Henrietta was named, "Mother of the Year" by Citywide Ministries of Boston, acknowledging her many years of dedication to church, family and community service. She received a centenarian certificate of recognition from the City of Boston after turning 102 years old. Birthday greetings arrived annually from the last 3 Presidents.

Among her cherished honors was being inducted into Laurinburg Institute's Hall of Fame on May 21, 2016. Henrietta held the distinction of being the oldest living alumni of the school. Her attendance in those early years coupled with religious beliefs laid the foundation for character, leadership, integrity, and excellence. The embodiment of Christian values and Laurinburg Institute' mission" Deeds Not Words", Henrietta's life is an example of someone giving their all while striving to reach their full potential. Her motto was "There's no such thing as the word "can't".

Henrietta's hobbies were knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, singing and playing the piano. She loved bright colors and had a bright personality to match. Henrietta had class and a sense of style, always having a hat to match her outfits. Henrietta loved to laugh.

Mommy Hodge, besides leaving her 5 children, she has 13 grandchildren, Gene Hodge, Jarrod Hodge, Maisha Hodge Thomas, Justin Mograss, Crystal Mograss, Lisa Owens, Trinja Owens Watson, Robert Hodge, Sukari Paine Campbell, Leslie Jones Priest, Nina Jones, Michael Jones, Monique Long (deceased), a host of great grandchildren 1 great-great-grandson.

We will miss Big Nana and will always cherish her memory.