Mary Elizabeth Hodge Malone

Mary Elizabeth Hodge Malone

December 14, 1934 - November 7, 2026

Mary Elizabeth Hodge Malone of Gainesville, Georgia, looked forward with anticipation to the day she would join Jesus in glory. After 91 amazing years, her heart's desire was fulfilled on November 7, 2026. Mary lived a full and meaningful life, marked by faith, family, friendships, generosity, and a passion for making a difference. She was a woman of tremendous energy, a wonderful personality, and strong opinions. She loved God, loved people, and never missed an opportunity to share what she had with others. A natural hostess, Mary loved opening her home and bringing people together around good food, conversation, laughter, and fellowship. She was passionate about the things she believed in and touched more lives than she probably ever realized.

Born December 14, 1934, in Atlanta, Mary grew up in Cartersville, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Randolph (Randy) Augustus Malone III, M.D., her parents, John Wesley Hodge and Bess Wilkinson Hodge, and her brothers, John Wesley Hodge, Jr., and James Mallory Hodge. Affectionately known as "Hodge" by her college friends, she attended Wesleyan College for two years before transferring to Emory University School of Nursing, where she earned her BSN in 1958 and MSN in 1962. It was at Emory that she met and married Randolph (Randy) Augustus Malone III, M.D., on May 18, 1957.

Mary and Randy shared a life filled with adventure, faith, and service. After additional medical training, they attended Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, in preparation for serving as medical missionaries in Ecuador. They spent time in San Jose, Costa Rica, learning Spanish before beginning their mission work in Ecuador. Their three children were born during these early years: Randolph A. Malone IV, Elizabeth Claire Malone Miller, and John Hodge Malone. When Randy contracted a serious illness while serving in the jungles of Ecuador, the missionary work came to an unexpected end. The family returned to the United States and settled in Thomasville, Georgia, where Randy established his pediatric practice and Mary embraced raising their family.

Mary was never one to sit still for long and had a passion for being involved and making a difference. She was a founding member and the first Vice Chairman of the Republican Party in Georgia, helping establish organizations in 42 southern counties. She later returned to nursing, teaching refresher courses and serving as Nursing Director at John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital for two years. Her many interests also included genealogy, serving twice as Regent of the Thomasville DAR, PTA, tennis, and bridge.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Mary and Randy opened their home for Bible studies, prayer, and fellowship, welcoming friends and visitors from near and far. Her deep convictions led her to establish An Open Door Adoption Agency in 1987, where she served as Director for ten years. What began as her desire to offer an alternative to abortion has grown into an agency responsible for more than 2,700 adoptions, three of which are her very own grandchildren.

After retirement, Mary and Randy moved to Lake Burton, where family gatherings, friends, Bible studies, mission work, and entertaining kept them busy for 10 wonderful years. They later moved to Lanier Village Estates in Gainesville, where Mary continued teaching Bible studies, volunteering, and welcoming family and friends for as long as she was able. They were members of Free Chapel.

Mary was strong-willed, opinionated, and passionate about the people and causes she loved. She loved the Lord, her family, and her friends, and touched countless lives through her faith, friendship, and generosity. Mary lived life enthusiastically and on her own terms. There truly will never be another quite like her.

Mary is survived by her three children: Dr. Randolph A. Malone IV (Elizabeth), Elizabeth Claire (Beth) Malone Miller (Guy), and John H. Malone, and her "adopted exchange student son," Ian Quinton (Debbie).

She also leaves behind ten cherished grandchildren, their 5 (spouses) and nine [great-grandchildren]: Nathan Malone (Rachel) [Emmett and Winter], Christopher Malone (Kate) [Elizabeth and Charlotte], Morgan Malone Purvis (Krishan) [Raegan and Emersyn], David Malone (Gabrielle) [Owen, Asher and Haven], Randolph Malone V, Elissa Miller Rusev (Denis), Caitlia Miller, Matson Miller, Ashley Malone, and Austin Malone.

Memorial Services

A memorial service will be held at Allen & Allen Funeral Home in Thomasville, Georgia, on November 23 at 11:00 a.m., and at Lanier Village Estates Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia, on December 5 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to:

An Open Door Adoption Agency
P.O. Box 4
Thomasville, GA 31799

www.opendooradoption.org