Corene Hodges

In Loving Memory of

CORENE HODGES

March 15, 1929 – March 12, 2021

Corene was born on March 15, 1929 in Vidette, Arkansas, the daughter of Edward and Doxie (Shrable) Cotter. She was born premature, weighing less than 3 pounds. Her parents placed her in a shoe box lined with sheep wool and placed her near the oven to keep her warm. An eye dropper had to be used to feed her until she was able to nurse.   Corene was born a fighter and was able to overcome such a hard beginning.

She graduated from Viola High School in Viola, AR in 1948. Corene’s first job was working at a restaurant in Lone Oak, AR for a year. Corene then had the opportunity to attend Harding College in Searcy, AR; however, she only had funds to complete 3 semesters. Corene moved to Kansas City, MO in December of 1950 to work at Hallmark in the graphic arts department and assembled cards. She worked at Hallmark until returning home to marry her high school sweetheart, Jarrell. Jarrell and Corene married on May 20, 1951 and moved to Oklahoma where Jarrell was stationed.

After Jarrell left the Army in May, 1952, Jarrell and Corene moved back to Arkansas until November 1953 when they moved to Kansas City, MO. In 1954, Corene returned to work for 2 years glazing windows at a storm window company. She then became a stay-at-home mom, volunteered as a Girl Scout Troup Leader, formed strong friendships with neighbors and provided child care for friends and neighbors. She returned to work outside the home in 1969 at the State School for Mentally Handicapped Children as a teacher’s aide for 15 years.   She then continued working for the State School as a cook for 7 years. She retired on 1991 after working 22 years for the State Schools.

Corene was known for her variety of talents. She was well known for her fabulous cooking. Corene always cooked dinner every evening for the family, for holidays and for whenever anyone showed up at her house. If you left her home without eating, she was very disappointed. She enjoyed pleasing others by preparing a favorite dish for each individual when they came to dinners. Corene was also known as a great seamstress. She made clothes for all her girls, keeping them well dressed. She created costumes for ballet performances, church cantatas, and a wedding dress for her daughter and bridesmaid’s gown for her family and friend’s weddings and other special occasions.   She loved gardening. Her yard was full with so many beautiful flowers. Her hydrangea, peonies and bearded iris were her favorites.

Corene first attend Blue Ridge Baptist Temple in Kansas City MO in November 1955. She became a member in June, 1957 and actively served in the church. Corene served as Sixth Grade Girls Sunday School teacher for 23 years. She also served by organizing and cooking for many church dinners. Her cooking was appreciated by all. Corene formed many strong, lifelong friendships while attending Blue Ridge Baptist Temple now called Manna Fellowship. Corene faithfully attended and supported the ministry until becoming homebound and unable to participate in the worship services.

Corene is survived by her four daughters, Sheila McCool of Kansas City, MO; Janie Alvord of Vallejo, CA; Lisa McLellan of Belton, MO; Cheryl Pozin of Kansas City, MO; eight Grandchildren: Jeremy Winningham (Rachele), Diana Winningham (Lucian Schrader III), Rachel Winningham, Teala Alvord (Derek Walker), Chelayne Fusco (Chris), Kathleen McCool (Warren Bush III), Shannon McCool (Alphonso Hodge), Jarrod Pozin, eleven great-grandchildren – Samantha Johnson, Sabrina (Forest) Truesdell, Lola and Mia Winningham, Tristan and Kylee Fusco, Mattea, Aliviyah and Warren Bush, Addison Winningham, and Sonya Schrader, one Great-great grandson, Alexander Truesdell, and one sister, Louise Atkinson of Clever, MO.

Corene was preceded in death by her husband Jarrell, parents, two sisters Mildred Foresee and Treva Barber, two brothers Ransy Cotter and John Cotter, and three sons-in-laws Patrick McCool, Bruce Alvord and Jim McLellan.

Visitation will be 10AM, with services following at 11AM, Monday, March 15 at Manna Fellowship, 17617 South State Route 291, Pleasant Hill, Missouri; burial in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel, Missouri.