Betty Marl Simms was born on September 1, 1933, to Festus and Arabella Simms in Lucama, NC. In 1955, she married her loving and doting husband, Willie Hodges, who predeceased her in 2009. She became a member of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith at the age of 16. She was a very active and engaged supporter of the church all of her life, serving under all three administrations since its inception.

Betty lived to serve. She always made herself available to help others in need and to give words of encouragement. Her motto was "don't fly so high so you don't have so far to fall". She raised her children to treat others the way they would have wanted to be treated, so that they, in turn, would also be of service.

Betty's love and trust in Jesus Christ was the center of her essence. She loved attending and serving the church, where she frequented in Newark, NJ. She contributed many hours of her endearment and dedication to various church services and events over the years. She shared her warmth to all members she came in contact with, from near and far. Her ultimate goal in life was "to be pleasing in God's sight".

Betty leaves behind in love: her daughters, Eva, Renee, Yvonne, and Patsy (Donte); her grandchildren, Jaquil and Jada; her siblings, Jonah (Zelma) and Melverna (Tommy); her loving nieces and nephews; her adoring church family; and friends made throughout her life.