Mrs. Opal Estelle L. Hodges

Mrs. Opal Estelle L. Hodges, of Cairo, Ill., age 96 (one day from 97), passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 24, 2025 with her children by her side. 

One would think, what a celebration awaiting her to be with the Lord, her husband, Herbert, and son, Philip on her birthday, the 25th.

Opal was born in Palestine, Ark. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great great-grandmother especially to her children. She was known to be a people person, friendly to all.

Mrs. Hodges worked at the Cairo Theater with her husband Herbert prior to working a P.N. Hirsch as a cashier and sales clerk. 

Her career then took her to Shawnee Development Counsel (JTPA) as coordinator over five counties until her retirement. 

Opal was of the Baptist Faith and a member of Cairo Baptist/ Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center.

Opal was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Hodges; her parents, Lester and Mae Chrisenberry; son, Philip Hodges; grandson, Charles Allen Caldwell, Alex Patterson, Bobby Johnson, Jr.; son-in-law, Ralph Allison; and sister and brother-in-law, Velma and Harold Upshaw.

Mrs. Hodges is survived by her children, Janice (Ronald) Sutton, Kaye Allison, Vickie Caldwell, Mike Hodges, Byron (Phyllis) Hodges, and daughter-in-law, Doris Hodges. She is also survived by her Grandchildren, Kim (Mike) Brown, Andrea Vinson, Herbert Vinson, James Vinson, Adam (Chelsea) Hodges, Sara (Esley) Cornelius, Jr., April (Robert) Moore, Christopher (Veronica) Jackson, Cynthia (Robert) Johnson, Bryan Hodges, Candince Hodges, Bryan Hodges, Glenn (Alisha) Hodges; and numerous great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Opal Hodges were held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 with Rev. Larry Potts officiating at Crain Funeral Home in Cairo. 

Interment followed the service at Green Lawn Memorial Gardens in Villa Ridge, Ill.

The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Crain Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.Regional Worship Center.

Crain Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.