Mrs. Shirley Jean Younce Hodges, age 87, of 2430 Old Highway 421 South, Boone, passed away Sunday morning, July 17, 2022, at her home.

Shirley was born to Howard and Parlee Younce March 20, 1935, in Watauga County. She graduated from Cove Creek High School in 1953. Shortly after in January 1954, Shirley married her love, Ralph Edsel Hodges, and they began their life in the Rutherwood community. Together, they had two children, Chris and Mitzi. While raising their children she worked in various roles and retired as a social worker with Project on Aging.

Shirley earned the name "Nana" after the birth of her first grandchild. She made the name famous with her sweet spirit and welcoming hugs. She enjoyed flower gardening, cooking, and hosting parties for family and friends. She took care of those she loved, delivering homemade food and cakes, and making frequent visits. She was an active member of Rutherwood Baptist Church and was not shy about sharing her faith as a Christian. Her life reflected her relationship with Jesus, and she lived her life in service to the Kingdom.

Shirley is survived by one son, Chris Hodges and wife Amy of Boone; one daughter, Mitzi Hodges Wallace and husband Doug of Boone; four grandchildren, Andrew Wallace and wife Gloria, Staci Norris and husband Seth; Landon Wallace and wife Karami, and Spencer Hodges and wife Bailey, all of Boone; eleven great-grandchildren, Lyla, Aliyah, Will, Parker and Selah Norris, Charlie, Jocelyn, and Cale Wallace, Ellie and Tucker Wallace, and Ava Hodges, all of Boone. One brother, Huston Younce of Lake Lure; one sister Judy Younce Norris and husband Dudley of Bethel, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and numerous special caregivers.

In addition to her husband Edsel and parents, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Christopher Hodges, with whom she shared a special bond and friendship.

Funeral services for Mrs. Shirley Hodges will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, July 19, 2022, at 2:00 o'clock, at Rutherwood Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 12:00 until 2:00 o'clock. Officiating will be Reverend Seth Norris and Reverend Tim Dockery.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00, prior to the service.

Mask are appreciated.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Rutherwood Baptist Church and the Parkinson's Foundation.

Online condolence may be sent to the Hodges family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.