ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Essie McDowell Hodge, 48, born on January 1, 1965 and passed away on May 13, 2013.


E
ssie Marie McDowell-Hodge was born in Ft. Pierce, Florida to Robert & Herminia McDowell on January 1, 1965.  

Essie came to Christ and was baptized at an early age.  In her youth, Essie attended St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Fort Pierce.  In 1982, Essie graduated from Westwood High School and later Atlantic Coast Institute where she earned her degree in Paralegal Studies.   Her distinguished professional career with over 25 years in public service began at the Supervisor of Elections Office in St. Lucie County, and continued with the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, the Florida Department of Revenue, and finally with the Department of Children and Families, where she served as a Contract Administrator and Certified Trainer.  Essie earned her Public Manager Certification from Florida State University, and was a member of the National Association of Professional Women and the Florida Society of Certified Public Managers.

In 1986, Essie married her high school sweetheart Frank Arthur Hodge and they have two daughters – Kimika Chantel and Franketha LaShaye Hodge.  In 1993, Essie moved to Fort Lauderdale where she attended Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church and served as a devoted member of the Mass Choir.

On Sunday, May 12, 2013, at Broward General Medical Center, our angel, Essie Marie McDowell-Hodge was quietly called home.  She leaves to mourn her passing her parents Robert and Herminia McDowell; her loving daughters Kimika Chantel and Franketha LaShaye Hodge; her loving nephew Daryl Leon Williams; her brother Alfred (Lisa) McDowell; sister Rowminner McDowell; granddaughter Khaylin Bryant;   Father-in-law Nathaniel Hodge Sr., and Mother-in-Law Frankie Mae Hodge; God Sister Doris Alexander; a host of loving family of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and  friends.

Essie is preceded in death by her brother, Robert McDowell, III, and her granddaughter, Farah Danae Allen.


To leave stories, upload pictures, videos or some of Essie's favorite songs click the tabs at the top of the page.   Candles can be lit at the bottom with short tribute messages and a link has been set up for donations.


SCHEDULE OF SERVICES: 

Home Going Arrangements for Essie Marie McDowell-Hodge
Saturday, May 18, 2013 1:00pm
Mount Heron A.M.E.
401 Northwest 7th Terrace
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
(954) 463-6309

Wake in Fort Lauderdale, FL  
Friday, May 17, 2013 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Mc White’s Funeral Home
3501 West Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 584-0047
(East of SR 7/ 441 on the North side of Broward Boulevard)

Home Going Service in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Saturday, May 18, 2013 1:00pm
Mount Heron A.M.E.
401 Northwest 7th Terrace
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
(954) 463-6309

Directions From I-95
EAST on Broward Boulevard
LEFT on NW 7th Avenue/Avenue of the Arts
LEFT on NW 4th Street
Church on the corner of NW 4th Street and NW 7th Terrace

Last Goodbyes & Burial in Fort Pierce, FL
Tuesday May 21, 2013 1pm
St Paul A.M.E
1405 N 27th street
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
(772) 461-2980

Please leave a tribute below.  When you post a tribute you will light a candle for Essie.  

July 20, 2013
July 20, 2013
Missing you dearly mom...We love and miss you deeply.
May 28, 2013
May 28, 2013
Essie you worked so hard for those you loved. Your spirit flew before we knew and your work on earth was done. I will miss your loving smile and your gentle laugh. Rest my sister, one day we should see each other again.
May 21, 2013
May 21, 2013
It all still seems unreal! Your smile greeted me when I became a part of the CRT in 2007. You will forever be in my heart. Rest in Peace from all the toils and cares of this world! Keep smiling til we meet again! #GONETOOSOON
May 20, 2013
May 20, 2013
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” It is certain that Essie saw, touched and felt the heart of many. Essie, Your special insight,touch and feelings shall be missed by all, including us at DMS.
May 20, 2013
May 20, 2013
It was a pleasure to have known Essie and to have spent time with her at the office. She will be greatly missed and we here at DCF are all saddened by her passing and our thoughts and prayers are with her daughters and the rest of the family at this time.
May 20, 2013
May 20, 2013
It was a pleasure to know Essie her personality was beautiful. I never got to see those Inaugural pics. But I thank God she got a change to go and have a part in history. Many prays to her family and friends who miss her.
May 18, 2013
May 18, 2013
Your indelible smile and impactful personality were both well received by the masses among us. We thank you for the examples you led, which have progressed us as a society. I am sure that your tireless gift will continue to luminate from above. AGAIN, THANKS!!!
May 17, 2013
May 17, 2013
Death is but the blowing out of the candle because the dawn has arrived. Ms Essie will always be remembered and always missed.
May 17, 2013
May 17, 2013
The training room was adjacent to Essie's office and we would often run into to each other, while I was conducting my training class. Every time I saw her, she would always have a smile on her face. You will be Essie and may you rest in peace.
May 17, 2013
May 17, 2013
Didn't know her personally, But would always run into her entering the building for work. She was always pleasant and had a beautiful smile. She has kept a reservation that we all must keep pray that people have good memories of you as Essie did!!!! Praying for the family that God conditions the heart to handle the pain........
May 17, 2013
May 17, 2013
This candle represents the light she shined in all of our lives. Essie even if your physical presence is not here your light will shine on. Lord please send peace and tranquility to those who are now sad and afflicted. I say this in Jesus' name, Amen!
May 17, 2013
May 17, 2013
If you have ever crossed Essie's path she always could put a smile on your face. She was a delight for all that knew her, I will miss her smile and cantor. Love you girlfriend, I miss you so much.
May 17, 2013
May 17, 2013
Dear Essie: I'm honored to have had the chance to meet you and spend time with you during our CPM journey.  We will miss you; thank you for sharing your smile and kind spirit with all of us.
May 17, 2013
May 17, 2013
Essie, you have left us with a very heavy heart, but lots of fond memories. Your advice to me a couple weeks ago is forever etched in my mind. I will always remember your great friendship, words cannot explain how much I will miss you. Rest my friend, your smiles and great attitude for life will keep us together.
May 16, 2013
May 16, 2013
Essie - You will be missed. You were such a wonderful, fun loving person. I will always remember our CPM classes, especially the final graduation class in Largo! Sandy Piligian
May 16, 2013
May 16, 2013
Dear Essie, your smile, your happiness, simply YOU! Those CPM days, great times together! The heavens are much happier with you there; keep watching over us with that beautiful smile :))
May 16, 2013
May 16, 2013
We will miss your beautiful smile and your sharp mind and wit. Thank you for sharing your precious talents with the world.
May 16, 2013
May 16, 2013
Dear Essie, I will miss that great smile of yours. I will never forget our great times in our CPM course. Our great times in Largo, Florida during our CPM graduation. Those afternoons at the beach with the group & Club 836 will be memorable! Essie, keep the big guy smiling in heaven until I get there.
May 16, 2013
My dear friend! Words can not express my feelings but I am truly honored to have shared the past 7 years with you as a co-worker but most importantly my friend! Miss you but your lovely smile will remain in my heart!
May 16, 2013
May 16, 2013
I have great memories of Essie. I remember when we first move to Atlanta. Two girls leaving home, and wanting a better life. Essie and I took good care of each other. She always took me to school, and hope that I will finish college. Essie I did. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Girl, I will never forget you   Yolanda
May 16, 2013
May 16, 2013
Essie was not only an extremely professional and competent colleague, she was also kind, caring and devoted to her family and friends. Essie, we will miss you so very much!
May 15, 2013
May 15, 2013
No language can express the power, beauty, heroism, and majesty of a mother's love. It shrinks not where man cowers, and grows stronger where man faints; and over wastes of worldly fortunes sends the radiance of its quenchless fidelity like a star.

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Recent Tributes
July 20, 2013
July 20, 2013
Missing you dearly mom...We love and miss you deeply.
May 28, 2013
May 28, 2013
Essie you worked so hard for those you loved. Your spirit flew before we knew and your work on earth was done. I will miss your loving smile and your gentle laugh. Rest my sister, one day we should see each other again.
May 21, 2013
May 21, 2013
It all still seems unreal! Your smile greeted me when I became a part of the CRT in 2007. You will forever be in my heart. Rest in Peace from all the toils and cares of this world! Keep smiling til we meet again! #GONETOOSOON
Recent stories

My Friend Essie Hodge

May 17, 2013

In the beginning there was the 201 Bldg. where we first met as co-workers.  Living in the same neighborhood and (15 years) later 1400 Bldg. we became best friends.  You’re daily smiles, the laughter, work and after-parties.  Your special birthdays’ I will always think of you on New Year’s Day, the many conversations about our beautiful KIDS.  Last there are so many memories I can go on to say. You are one friend I will not forget, you will be truly missed. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND
…..

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