Kathleen Elaine Hodges, 84, of New Bern, North Carolina passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 15, 2021 surrounded by family. Kathleen was born on May 26, 1936 in Parkersburg, West Virginia to the late Ralph Shirley and Mary Elizabeth Stephens.
Katie was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, known for her boundless love and energy. She earned a Master’s degree in music from Columbia University, later completing a second Master’s degree in education. Katie was an accomplished organist and pianist, who often played for church services and special musical events including at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. She enjoyed performing with other musicians and in choral presentations, including at Carnegie Hall. She also enjoyed playing bells in the Centenary United Methodist Church bell choir.
A teacher in New York State for 30 years, Katie was fascinated by the art of storytelling. She was awarded a variety of teaching grants including one that brought her students to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. She was an active member of PEO women’s educational sorority, chapter BB, and a beloved member of both Centenary United Methodist Church in New Bern, North Carolina, and Wells United Methodist Church in Wells, Vermont. Katie, and her husband of 63 years, Don, were very involved with the refugee community over the years - not only with their gifts and talents, but also through opening their home. Always generous with her resources, Katie contributed to many organizations and projects, including supporting young musicians in continuing their musical training. She was active in various political efforts, particularly those regarding social justice and human rights. Katie and Don enjoyed travel, and summers at their lake home in Wells, Vermont.
She is survived by her husband, the Reverend A. Donald Hodges, and three children; daughter, Laurelyn Cropek of Champaign, Illinois, son, Drew Hodges (Peter), of Portland, Maine, and son, Brett Hodges (Claudia) of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, grandson, Cameron Cropek, granddaughters, Evan Cropek, Ana Hodges, and Zoe Hodges. Surviving siblings include Pauline Rose Klein (Richard) of Yorktown Heights, New York and Ralph David Stephens (Patricia) of Belpre, Ohio. One brother, Robert Shirley Stephens (Naomi) is deceased.
The family thanks those involved in her care, particularly Doctor John Cho, his caring nurse, Jamee Potter, and Craven County Hospice. They also extend great thanks to their community of friends who helped in so many important ways.
Memorial donations may be made to RCS, Religious Community Services, www.rcsnewbern.com.
A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Saturday, April 10th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., at Centenary United Methodist Church, 309, New Street, New Bern, NC 28560. Online condolences can be made to www.cottenfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Cotton Funeral Home and Crematory, 2201 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 28560, 252-637-8131.
Katie Hodges' Celebration of Life Service will be streamed live and can be accessed at the Centenary United Methodist Church of New Bern, NC Facebook page for any who wish to attend but cannot travel at this time.
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