Betty J Hodge

We are saddened to announce the transition of Ms Betty J Hodge. 

Betty June (Brabson) Hodge was born on June 19, 1937, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Tommie Lee Avrett and Roy Mack Brabson Sr. She attended and graduated from Austin High School, where she began laying the foundation for a life of strength, love, and service. 

On January 7, 1955, Betty married the love of her life, Melvin E. Hodge Sr. Together, they built a beautiful family, welcoming two children, Melvin E. Hodge Jr. and Kimberly J. Hodge Payne. In 1957, the family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where Betty pursued her passion for helping others by attending college and earning her nursing degree. 

Betty faithfully served as a Licensed Practical Nurse for over 30 years at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, dedicating her career to providing compassionate care before retiring. She was a devoted woman of faith, first as a member of Holy Trinity Baptist Church and later as a member of The Word Church. 

Beyond her career and faith, Betty enjoyed the simple joys of life-fishing, gardening, music, dancing, watching TV, and, most of all, spending time with her beloved family and friends. 

On August 26, 2025, Betty departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion. She is survived by her brother, David Brabson Sr.; her loving granddaughter, Meschia Payne-Irving; two great-granddaughters, Maciaha Irving and Macaylee Efford; grandchildren Etio Shaquila M. Young (Jayson), Melvin Payne, Melvin E. Hodge III, Marlon McSwain, Shannon Payne, Noelle Ferguson, Michael Hodge, and MiCole Horhn; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She also shared a lifelong, cherished friendship of 65 years with her best friend, Ms. Evelyn McNairy. 

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Tommie Lee Avrett and Roy Mack Brabson Sr.; her siblings, Roy Mack Brabson Jr., William Douglas Brabson, and Barbra Jean Boston; and her two children, Melvin E. Hodge Jr. and Kimberly J. Hodge Payne. 

Betty's life was a testament to faith, love, and family, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on September 6, 2025. A 10:00AM Wake and 10:30AM Service at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH.  

We welcome you to provide your thoughts, memories, and pictures on Betty's tribute wall. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Betty, please click here to visit our sympathy store.