Jean Hodges

Jean H. Hodges, of Raeford passed away peacefully on August 23, 2015. She leaves a legacy of entrepreneurial achievement, professional distinction, community service, civic contributions and devotion to family and faith. Born Billie Jean Hardin, in Waco, Texas, she was one of five children of Ben and Sue Hardin. Jean went on to earn a BA degree from Texas Christian University and an MBA from the University of Mexico. In 1974, Jean chose Raeford as her familys home. Realizing there was need for such services in the area, she founded the Fayetteville-based marketing, advertising and public relations agency, Hodges Associates. She remained until her death as CEO and a valuable advisor to the business she pioneered. Along the way, she inspired and mentored many people pursuing careers in her beloved profession. Under Jeans leadership, Hodges Associates earned numerous awards for creative and business excellence. Jean was honored personally with the first ATHENA Leadership Award given in the Fayetteville area. This national award recognizes recipients for their outstanding work that benefits professional women. She was also named Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur from Methodist College (now Methodist University). Among the elite group of industry professionals inducted into the North Carolina Advertising Hall of Fame, Jean also earned the Silver Medal and the Legion of Excellence Award from the American Advertising Federation (AAF). She founded the Fayetteville area chapter of this organization and served the AAF in several local, regional and national leadership positions. Community service was an important part of Jean Hodges life. For her, giving back meant supporting organizations and causes she truly believed in and making a wholehearted commitment to each and every role she took on. Numerous area organizations benefited from Jeans contributions as a director, board/committee member or volunteer. They include the Hoke County Community Foundation, Hoke County Partners in Education, Carolina Horse Park, Liberty Hospice, UNC Pembroke, Methodist University, Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce and other economic development groups, Boys & Girls Club of America, Association of the U.S. Army, Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Olde Fayetteville Association and the Womens Forum of N.C. Jean played a role in launching the N.C. Turkey Festival, and her tenure as a director and past president of the Festival organization spanned 30 years. She was a member of and active supporter of Raeford Presbyterian Church. On the civic front, Jean served as a Hoke County Commissioner and a North Carolina delegate to the Governors Conference for Small Business and the White House Conference for Small Business. She received the Cumberland County Civic Leader Marquee Award, as well as Citizen of the Year awards from the Hoke County Chamber of Commerce the Raeford Kiwanis Club, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Raeford. Jean Hodges is survived by: her husband, Spencer T. Wilking; six children Michael Hicks and Alexis Latham, both of Fischer, Texas, Anna Hodges Smith and her husband, Chuck, of Fayetteville, Janet Rae Hodges of Belews Creek,NC; Dellus Hodges and his wife, Gwen, and Benton Hodges of Raleigh; ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren; sister Robin Anselmini and her husband, Frank, of Raeford; numerous nieces and nephews. Jeans brother, Virgil Hardin, and sisters, Dorothy Lohmer and Jo Hunke, predeceased her. A visitation will be 7-9pm Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at Crumpler Funeral Home in Raeford. A memorial service will be held 11 am Thursday August 27, 2015 at Raeford Presbyterian Church followed by the reception at the John C. Ropp Fellowship Hall. In lieu of Flowers donations can be made to Hoke County Community Foundation and Hoke County Partners for Education.