Leah Mae (Glidden) Hodges, 88, entered into eternal rest after many years of Alzheimer's at Linley Park Acute Care, Anderson, SC Saturday, March 29, 2025.  She was born March 7, 1937, in Mars Hill, Maine to the late Don and Ruth (Brawn) Glidden.   She eloped and married a U.S. Air Force "Southern Man" from McCormick, SC, James W. (Buddy) Hodges Sr., August 4, 1956, who preceded her in death on June 4, 1996.  Buddy always said he went as a Missionary to get her out of Maine and to the South (Bordeaux, SC) in 1958. Along with husband of 40 years, she was welcomed with open arms at heavens gates by her son, James (Pnut) Hodges, her daughter Karen and son-in-law Rusty Goff, her 2 sisters Margret, Willa and 2 brothers Kenneth and Frankie, Daughter-in-law, Linda H Hodges and numerous other family members and friends.

Leah had a love for sewing and made her 2 daughter's clothes in their early years. She was rarely still from dawn to dusk cooking, sewing, cross stitching, cleaning, dusting, and gardening.  She loved being outside she would sit in her rocking chair and enjoy the sunshine, birds, flowers, and the beauty of nature.  She had a green thumb and grew beautiful flowers.  She loved walking, reading, shopping, and traveling.  Through travel she was able to see many beautiful places around the world while spending time with her loved ones.

Leah was a dedicated Mama foremost, when her 5 "youngins" were growing up she made sure they had a hot meal every night and it included fresh cut "French Fries " for Buddy. With her flair for baking, she baked the best German Chocolate Cake ever and desserts for all family holiday gatherings.

Leah loved God, attended church and made sure her children were raised "Right".  During their early years they attended Buffalo Baptist Church and when Buddy found the Lord, they both joined Friendship Baptist Church along with their 5 children.  Through their faithful dedication of attendance our family of 7 all had 10 years of  Sunday School Pins.  Later after Buddy passed, she joined McCormick First Baptist Church and had many years of friendship and love there. Leah was a living example to her family and friends of being kind, loving, doing good, what's right and helping others.

With Leah's love for all children, she worked for 28+ years at John De La Howe School for troubled kids assisting the teachers and caring for the kids.  She talked about her many teacher friends who were family to her.  She loved working in home economics class teaching the kids how to sew, cook and take care of daily life needs.

Left to cherish the memories they made with her are her sister Helen Lint,  sister-in-law Patsy Glidden of Mars Hill, Maine and daughter-in-law, Jan Hodges. Her children she loved and was very proud of; Sons Jason (Beth) of Anderson, SC, Jody, of McCormick, SC, her daughter Julie H. Brown (Mike) of Dry Branch, GA.  She especially loved her role as Nanny to her 12 grandchildren, Mandy (T.J.), Conrad, (Kim), Josh (Mio), Jeremy (Amber), Heather (John), Kandice (Danny), Jared (Casey), Justin, Brady, Samantha, Jacob (Maegan), Dusty (Lauryn). Nanny at her passing had 14 Great-Grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

The day she had to leave us when her life on earth was through, God had better plans for her, for this we surely knew.  She's smiling down on every one of us, and telling us she is O.K.  She's in our hearts and that is where she will always stay.

The family will receive friends from 4 until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Rees Funeral Home, 195 N. Peachtree St.  Lincolnton, GA  30817.  Following visitation there will be a celebration of life service at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, from the graveside at Overbrook Cemetery in McCormick, SC with Rev. Alvin Hodges officiating and great granddaughter, Kristen Lamb singing "Over the Rainbow."

Pallbearers are Grandsons, Josh and Conrad Brown, of Jacksonville, FL, Justin and Brady Hodges of Anderson, SC, Jared Goff of Saluda, SC., Jeremy Hodges of McCormick, SC, Jacob Hodges of Columbia, SC. and great grandson, Wyatt Hodges of McCormick.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Rainey Hospice House and Linley Park Acute Care in Anderson, SC and for the love and extraordinary care that was exemplified for Mrs. Hodges while she was there.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in memory of Leah Hodges may be sent to McCormick First Baptist Church, 108 S. Oak St. McCormick, SC 29835 or Alvin Hodges Ministry, 512 Heritage West Court, Greenwood, SC 29649 or to the Rainey Hospice House, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621

The family will be at Mrs. Hodges home in McCormick.

You may sign the family's online guestbook at: www.reesfuneralhome.net.

Rees Funeral Home, 195 North Peachtree Street, Lincolnton, Georgia would like to thank the Hodges family for your trust and confidence to serve you during this difficult time.