Patricia Anne Lovelace Hodges passed away Thursday, February 25, 2021, at the age of 70. Patricia was born June 16, 1950, in Plaquemine, LA, where she also was raised. She earned her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts at Louisiana Tech University, and her Master’s in Education at McNeese State University. 

While at Louisiana Tech University, she met and fell in love with the Reverend Alvin Swindell Hodges, Jr.. They were married August 13, 1971, and spent nearly 40 years in marital bliss, through the hard times and the good. With her husband, she enjoyed participating in marathons, as well as hiking and camping in the Smoky Mountains. 

She was a beloved and hard-working Kindergarten and First-grade teacher in the Louisiana public school system for many years, known for her unfailing devotion to her students, including buying them food, clothes and supplies when they were in need. 

After many years teaching at K.R. Hanchey Elementary, in DeRidder, LA, Patricia and her family moved to Houston, Texas to begin their next chapter of life. 

In Houston, once retiring, she became an active member in her neighborhood and community, participating with the Harvest Bend Meadows HOA, was an active presence at the neighborhood pool in the summers, and often could be seen greeting, and chatting with, neighbors while tending to her beloved gardens in front of her house. 

Patricia was a devout Methodist in her own way, and was an active member in the church with her husband. She was known as a compassionate caregiver, quick with a smile and a joke, and her habit of being sometimes self-deprecating truly was only a diversion from her humility. She made sure the neighborhood children always had snacks and toys, and would never refuse to help anyone in need.

She was also known for her deep love and compassion for all animals, especially the family’s pet dachshund, Conrad, for whom she collected momentos and figurines to signify his presence in her, and the family’s, life. 

Patricia was a devoted mother who ensured her children wanted for nothing. She will be remembered as a warm-hearted, giving soul and a beautiful spirit. Patricia is survived by her husband, Reverend Alvin Swindell Hodges, Jr., and her children, Megan Clare Hodges, and Kyle Patrick Hodges.