Leila Saye Hodge Martin
Leila Saye Hodge Martin, age 96, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, at Northeast Medical Center in Gainesville, Ga.
Leila Hodge Martin was born on April 22, 1924 in Madison to the late Emma Saye Hodge and William Bryant Hodge. After her father died, her mother married the late Loice Allen, Sr. and she had one half-brother, Loice Allen, Jr.
Leila grew up in Prospect, Ga. and was baptized and married in the Prospect Methodist Church. After graduating, she moved to Atlanta where she met her husband Joseph Brown Martin. They were married in 1945 and moved to Miami when he became a pilot for National Airlines. While living in Miami they raised two daughters.
Leila was active in the Miami Springs Methodist Church and various Civic organizations. Her first priority was always family and she actively supported her girl’s activities by being room mothers and teaching Sunday School. Leila enjoyed traveling to Europe with friends and RVing with her husband. When her husband retired, they moved to Floral City, Fla. where she still remained active in the church.
After Joe died, she moved to Eustis, Fla. to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren. In 2005, Leila moved again to Gainesville, Ga. to be near her oldest daughter. Throughout the years, she maintained a close bond with her brother Loice Allen, Jr. until his death and his children became like grandchildren to her.
Leila was an anchor for our entire family, always there to love, support and encourage and she will be in our hearts forever!
Death is no more than passing from one room to another. She is now at peace.
She is survived by her daughters, Jolinda Martin (Gerald Garr) of Cleveland, Ga. and Sharon Johnson of Clermont, Fla.; grandchildren, Bryan Smith, Ladon Johnson and Jared Johnson; and great-grandchildren, Leila Jo Johnson, Johnson, Capri Johnson, Cohen Smith and Courtland Stover.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, at 11 A.M., at Prospect United Methodist Church Cemetery. Rev. Lyle Allen will officiate.
Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com.