Lydia Hodges McIntosh was born November 4, 1953. Lydia was adopted when she was three years old by parents Ruth and W. E. "Elvis" Hodges. Lydia graduated from Mantachie high school as co-valedictorian. Based on academic achievement Lydia was named Star Student and she honored her mother by naming her the Star Teacher.

During her high school years, Lydia attained many honors. She was designated as one of the outstanding students of her graduating class. She also was selected Miss Mantachie High School, Homecoming Queen, and Most Beautiful. She was a member/officer of various clubs and organizations. Lydia was captain of the basketball team and ran track. She played tenor saxophone and was a majorette in the band. Out-of-school activities included playing classical music on piano at an advanced level, riding horses, dance lessons/tap dancing, and voice lessons. She was an active member of the 4H Club where she showed her father's prize-winning dairy cows.

Lydia continued her education at Mississippi University for Women, "the W," and the University of Alabama. She received her jurist doctorate degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law. For several years, Lydia practiced law in Washington, DC; Houston, Texas; and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The next phase in Lydia's life was to pursue motherhood. She devoted her time and selfless love to her only son, Nathan. Lydia enjoyed the outdoors. She became credentialed as a Master Gardener and often went on walks with friends and her dog "Mackenzie." Lydia was a member of Pilot Club International, Mantachie Chapter.

Lydia was a member of Mantachie Methodist church where she served as choir director and president of the Methodist Women. She was a Christian lady who exhibited a gentle heart and an humble, kind spirit, giving generously of her time and finances to those needing her help. She also made contributions to charitable organizations. Lydia enjoyed reading her Bible and listening to American Family Radio. She based her worldview on the truth of biblical teachings. As Lydia's medical condition declined, she became unable to speak, but she continue to try hard to communicate in other ways. As a published author, she speaks to us today, through the pages of her book A Kidnapping Revival .

Lydia says: You are either a believer or a non-believer. There is no in between. (Page 182)

Page 135. Did Jesus not die on the cross and rise again that the world might be saved?

Page 144. Have you been born again?…"I mean, have you repented of your sins and asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior?

Page 89." Nothing would make me happier than for you to become a child of God. We can never be good enough on our own to come into God's presence. Only through the death of Jesus are we allowed to be reconciled to God. He died for you. Do you want Jesus to forgive you of your sins and become your Lord and Savior?" If you do, just tell him you are sorry for your sins and you want him to save you and be the Lord of your life. You can talk to him anytime. Even if you cannot talk out loud sometimes, he can hear your thoughts. He loves you so much. He will never let you go once you give your life over to him. Do you want to pray now?

Can't I interest you in considering Jesus as your Lord and Savior by pleading with you one more time? It is the most important decision of your life because it determines where you will spend eternity and how you spend your remaining days on the earth. Instead of being alone, you will always have the Lord with you. Instead of fear and anxiety, you will have faith, love, joy, and peace. Being a Christian is the best thing that ever happened to me, and I want the best for you.

Lydia is survived by her son, Nathan Hodges McIntosh; four stepchildren, Michael McIntosh (Donna), Lachlan McIntosh (Regina), Joe Hill (John), and Jean Burr; one brother, Dr. Alan James; one sister, Marilyn Durgin; several step grandchildren and other extended family members.

Lydia was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and W. E. "Elvis" Hodges and her husband "Mac" McIntosh.

Funeral services for Lydia will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 20, at the Mantachie Methodist Church with Rev. Joe Coggins and Rev. Caleb Holder officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery. McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Mantachie is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be Friday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time, all at the Mantachie Methodist Church.

Gratitude is extended to North Mississippi, health services, rehab, and nursing personnel and Lydia's caregivers. A special "thank you" is given to Rachel Leathers who served not only as Lydia's primary caregiver and nurse, but also as the person to count on for helping, take care of any need that arose.