Vela Elizabeth Hunt Hodkin, age 88

On September 4^th, 2025, Vela Elizabeth Hunt Hodkin was admitted to heaven as a new angel. She started her life on earth on July 2^nd, 1937 in McCrory, AR. After she danced through the gates of heaven, she was greeted by those that passed before her. Those greeting Vela are her parents, Arthur N. and Clara Hunt. Her brothers Arthur Neal Hunt and wife Judy. Henry E. Hunt and wife Jennie. Her sister Mildred Chance Hughes and husband Jack. Her youngest son was waiting to hug her again, William A. Hodkin and finally the love of life with whom she was married to for 63 years, John P. Hodkin, Sr. Vela missed him terribly and made the heavens brighter when they reunited. She is survived by her son John Patrick Hodkin, Jr. and his wife Tammy. Her two granddaughters Brandy N. Hodkin and Krysti M. Hodkin and fiancé, Rashad Walker. She was fortunate enough to know her great-grand-children, Alyssa Lawrence, Bailey Walker, Rylan Walker and William Hunter. Vela is also survived by one Aunt and Uncle which is Charlene and Jim Mauldin with two nieces whom are Sandy Mauldin Pique and Janet Mauldin Greenwood. She is also survived by another nephew, Curt Chance. And certainly not least, a niece Toni Taylor and nephew Hank Hunt.

Vela was known to have touched countless lives and loved by those she knew over the years. Whether she was known as daughter, sister, wife, mom, mother-in-law, grandma, mee-maw, sales person, artist, secretary, executive assistant, window attendant at the land fill, fantastic cook, dependable friend or Ms. Vela, she answered to all of them proudly. She was a very proud member the Church At Willow Beach where she expanded her religious teachings and found a loving family in God.

In lieu of flowers or plants, please make a donation in Vela’s name to one of the following organizations, The Church at Willow Beach, Arkansas Hospice or the CARTI Foundation.

There will be a memorial service held on Thursday the 11^th of September at 7:00 PM at the Church at Willow Beach with a reception after the service in the fellowship hall. Vela will be interred with her husband John P. Hodkin, Sr. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, AR and will have the honorary pall bearers of Billy Strickland, Rashad Walker, Alyssa Lawrence, Bailey Walker, Rylan Walker and William Hunter. Vela’s favorite color is purple and if you wish to honor her by wearing purple, she would enjoy that. The family will be wearing purple in her memory.

Vela tried to keep her family and friends close and if she could not see them in person, a phone call or card would reach them. She would tell you to do the same for your friends and family. Tell them they are loved and what they mean to you as you can never say it too much.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com