FLORENCE, Ala. — Emily Hodge Alexander, wife of William M. Alexander Jr. “Bill,” went to be with the Lord on April 29, 2015.

Emily was born on Sept. 8, 1938, in Bellingham, Wash. She grew up in Tupelo and later moved to Florence in 1953, and graduated from Coffee High School in 1956. She attended and was graduated from college at the then-Mississippi State College for Women in 1959. She married Bill Alexander in 1958.

Emily was a pre-school and elementary school teacher for 27 years. In 1971, she wrote the program for and began Jolly Time Pre-School in Benton, Ark. The 12 years she spent at Jolly Time Pre- School were probably her favorite years in her teaching career.

She was active in her church wherever she lived and this included helping with vacation Bible school, co-director with Bill as directors of youth department, and serving on the finance committee in two churches.

She began ladies ministries in two churches and spoke at ladies’ conference for several years while she and Bill lived in Lake Charles, La. During this period of time, and to accompany her topic at these conferences, she published a book, “Treasures from My Heart,” to correlate with her speaking topic.

She was a Sunday school teacher for ladies classes and led Bible studies, and she participated in community Bible study. Emily and Bill facilitated the Bible study “Experiencing God” in several churches were they were members. She was an active member of Woodmont Baptist Church, Florence where she served in church ministry and was a care group leader in her Sunday school class.

Emily enjoyed homemaking, especially cooking, Bible study, traveling with Bill, being with her friends, her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held for the family prior to the service. The service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Woodmont Baptist Church with the Rev. Jerry Rea, pastor of Woodmont Baptist Church officiating with the Rev. Chad Hess, minister to students at Woodmont Baptist Church assisting. Greenview Funeral Home of Florence has charge of arrangements.

Friends may visit with the family following the services.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Delle Hodge of Florence.

Survivors include her husband of 57 years Bill Alexander of Florence; a daughter, Allyson Martin (Burt) of Bellaire, Texas; a son, William Taylor Alexander (Jennifer) of Franklin, Tenn.; two precious grandchildren, Laurel Taylor Alexander and Austin Blake Alexander. She adored being their “Gan.”

She is also survived by a brother, Taylor Hodge (Nancy) of Fort Smith, Ark.; and nine nieces and nephews.

The pallbearers will be Don Anderson, Ray Cross, Dennis Homan, Floyd Price, Ken Hibbett, Oscar Beck and Jim Franklin.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be given to the Building Fund at Woodmont Baptist Church 2001 Darby Drive, Florence, AL 35630, Samaritan’s Purse, or the The Florence Public Library.

An online guest book may be viewed and signed at www.greenviewmemorial.com.