Pernorse Hodo

In Loving Memory of Pernorse Hodo

December 1, 1913 – October 9, 2020 (age 106)

Brother Pernorse Hodo was born in Reform, Alabama to the late Will and Sylvia Hodo. He was the second oldest of four children which includes brothers: Lummie, Carl and sister Sallie. (Who are now with him in glory)

Brother Hodo spent his formative years in Reform and was an active member of his church.  As a teenager, he would drive his father who was a Deacon of the local church and various visiting ministers to District Church meetings. He spent his formative years in Alabama. As a young man, he worked in the Sawmill where his father was a Forman. During that time, he was actively recruited to play in the Negro National  League but due to family commitments, he remained in Reform.

He met his wife (Aundria) in Reform when she was appointed to teach there. They were married November 3, 1940 and they were happily married for 72 years until she was called to her heavenly home. After marrying, they left Alabama to pursue work opportunities in Pascagoula, Mississippi. There Brother Hodo secured employment in the Shipyard. Shortly after, he was drafted to serve in the US Army.

Brother Hodo served in the Army during World War II and obtained the rank of Technician Fourth Grade (TEC-4). Soldiers of this position were addressed as Sergeant as they possessed specialized skills. (1863d Engineer Aviation Battalion).    

After the war, Brother and Sister Hodo decided to relocate  to Cleveland, Ohio for better life opportunities where Pernorse became the first African American Ore Bridge Operator hired at Republic Steel company where he remained for 38 years retiring in 1983 at the age of 70.

He was a man of faith throughout his life. He and his wife joined Shiloh Baptist Church shortly after their move to Cleveland. He actively participated until his health declined.

He was also a charter member of Shad Club #7  an auxiliary organization of Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

In the 1960’s, with  a group of cousins and friends, he formed the Sharp Shooters hunting club, hunting in the greater Cleveland surrounding areas as well as Iowa.  

Pernorse’s  100th birthday was celebrated by over 100 of his family, church members, and friends with a special dinner. He received birthday greetings from President Obama. He also received Proclamations from his Congresswoman, the Governor of Ohio and the Mayors of Cleveland, Ohio, and Bedford Hts. Ohio.  

When health factors prevented his attendance at Shiloh Baptist Church, his Deacon Charles Michaels was faithful in bringing his monthly Communion. He looked forward to those visits, as well as the monthly dinners and cards provided by the outreach and sick in shut in ministries of the church.

 He was an avid Cleveland Indians fan and was honored by the Cleveland Indians in the Fall of 2017 as one of their oldest fans and was interviewed by the local channel 5 news team.

Early Friday morning, October 9, 2020, the Lord called Pernorse from his earthly labors to his heavenly home. He leaves to cherish his memory: a daughter Barbara, son-in-law Daniel; grandchildren:  Jesse III, D. Monique (predeceased him) and Daniel II (Venus). Great grandsons: Daniel III and Jamir; special sons Sydney Calhoun, Robert Calhoun and Henry Andrews and their children and grandchildren. He also leaves to cherish his memory, his two special nieces: Noel and Sabrenna who were special caretakers for him. He also leaves an extended family of cousins and other relatives throughout the United States.

Humbly submitted,

                  The Family

In Acknowledgement

The family wishes to express our appreciation for your expressions of love through prayers, cards, calls, visits, and other acts of kindness extended to Pernorse and our family. Your thoughtfulness and compassion will be cherished and remembered always. All  your expressions of love, kind thoughts and deeds and prayers continue to sustain us during this time.

Special Acknowledgement

To Elara Caring Hospice, words are simply not enough to express our gratitude for your compassion and loving care for Mr. Hodo and for our family. Angels on earth is the only way to describe each of you.

We would also like to acknowledge the caring staff of the Laurels of Chagrin Falls. We thank each of you and pray God’s richest blessing upon each of you.

DUE TO COVID-19 PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASK AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING. THANK YOU.

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