Big Mom's Kitchen

People always ask us, "Who is Big Mom?" Those who never had a chance to meet her are intrigued by the wonderful stories the family has to share. While no amount of words will do justice to her legacy, please allow us to share a brief synopsis of her life.

Rosie Lee "Big Mom" Hodge

Rosie Lee Brown was born the second of 11 children to Green and Gussie Brown, who were sharecroppers in Desoto, Georgia. She received her early education from the public school system in Desoto, GA and lived there until 1933 when her family moved to Vallejo, California.

After her arrival in Vallejo, she met and married an attractive military veteran, Emanuel Hodge and to their union 10 children were born, however, the youngest daughter died during child birth.

Big Mom, as she was affectionately called by all, who knew and loved her, was a Renaissance woman and hard worker who wore many hats during her life. She was a skilled chef, daycare provider, real estate investor, landlord, counselor, and owned and operated her own adult residential facility for the mentally ill until she died in 2006.

Rosie also worked very hard in the church and dedicated her life to the lord at an early age. In fact, the roots of the first Vallejo congregation of the Church of God in Christ started in her home in 1934. She always opened her home to traveling evangelists and dignitaries that came through town. She attended and served as church mother of the Old Path Miracle Cathedral Church of God in Christ for 44 years where one of her favorite mantras was “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one.”

At the time of her passing, Rosie had 8 living children, 34 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

Big Mom