Mrs. Marie Theresa Johnston Hodges

Marie Hodges, 65, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 7, 2010.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Gregg Hodges, three children: Tracy (Seth) Thompson, Cullman, AL; David (Kelly) Hodges, Nashville, TN; Aimee (Dave) Reese, Birmingham, AL; and, six grandchildren: Will, Claire and Grace Thompson; Cooper and Katy Hodges; Luke Reese. Brother, Dwight (Betty) Johnston, Attalla, AL; Sister, Mary (Max) Stephens, Tuscumbia, AL.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother; Rev. B.V. and Elsie Johnston, Horton, AL.

Marie was born in Gadsden, AL. But, was raised in Horton, AL. She was a graduate of Douglas High School. She earned her undergraduate degree in Education from Jacksonville State, and master’s degree in Education from University of Alabama. She earned both degrees while serving as mother to her three children.

She served Cullman County twenty years in elementary education. She started her teaching career at Holly Pond Elementary; and, retired from West Elementary in Cullman. Her passion was improving reading skills to her students. She was an honored nominee for the 2005 Cullman Co. Retired Teacher of the Year. She continued serving her community as a volunteer librarian at Cullman First Baptist Church, where she was a member for 26 years.

Marie was a proud twenty-five year cancer survivor. She enjoyed quilting. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with Gregg and family.

Moss Services in Cullman will coordinate arrangements. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 9 at Moss Services from 6 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at First Baptist Church in Cullman. Dr. Edwin Hayes will present the eulogy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Marie to the following: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (www.komen.org); or, the West Elementary Library, 303 Rosemont Ave. S.W. Cullman, AL 35055.