Linda Ann Hodges, 73, of Waco, passed away Monday, May 26, 2014.
VISITATION: 5 – 7 PM, Thursday, May 29th, Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Waco.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 10 AM, Friday, May 30th at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Collier officiating, and special words by Larry Wymore.
INTERMENT: China Spring Cemetery
Linda was born July 30, 1940 in Waco to B.F. and Lillian (Bitner) Pace. She graduated from Waco High School. Linda was a member of Parkview Baptist Church in Waco for over 40 years. On June 9, 2001, she married Jim Hodges, and together they shared just shy of 13 years together.
Linda enjoyed nature, fishing, and camping. She enjoyed spending time at the lake with her binoculars, watching the Eagles and identifying other beautiful bird species. She was a loving mother and wife, and just the best “MeMaw” anyone could ever ask for. She doted on her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren, like only a special and wonderful MeMaw could. Linda also loved music… and every night, Jim would be stationed in the living room with his guitar, mic and amp, and would serenade his sweetheart no matter the room she was in…. as she made him leave open the door to the den and the door to the bedroom as he sang to her, making sure she didn’t miss a sweet note.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Jim Hodges of Waco; five children, Bill Sutton, Jr. and wife, Patricia, of Cleveland, GA, Sherri (Sutton) Graham and husband, Michael, of China Spring, Brad Sutton and wife, Beth, of China Spring, Darrell Hodges and wife, Lori, of Waco, and Robin Honea and husband, Billy, of Waco; grandchildren, Chad Conard and wife, Kelly, of Cleveland, GA, Steve Conard and wife, Jan, of Cleveland, GA, Lauren Pate and husband, Shane, of Centerville, Weston Graham of Austin, Grayson Graham of China Spring, Brandon Sutton and wife, Samantha, of Hewitt, Britney Sutton and fiancé, Richard Torres, of China Spring, Joshua Honea of Waco, Justin Hodges of Waco, and Jase Hodges of Waco; great-grandchildren, Joseph Conard and wife, Tori, Sammy Conard, Miranda Tumlin, Brooke Conard, McKayli Conard, Dustin Pate, Kaylee Pate, Hayden Pate, and Quinn Sutton; and great-great-grandchild, Liam Conard; brother, Bert Pace and wife, Bonnie, of Plano; sister, Nora Whitted of Gholson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other dear family members and friends.
Pallbearers will be Joshua Honea, Justin Hodges, Jase Hodges, Ronnie Adams, Tom Lene, and R.W. Collier. Honorary Pallbearers will be Weston Graham, Brandon Sutton, Chad Conard, Steve Conard, and Grayson Graham.
The family would like to thank Providence Hospice Place, and St. Catherine’s Center nurses and staff for their love and care. To Lake Shore Funeral Home as well, we thank you for your attention and guidance. Also, to our dear church family at Parkview Baptist Church, we thank you so much for your prayers, visits, friendship, food and comfort.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
My prayers and condolences to Jim and the family.
Linda was a sweet Christian Lady and I always respected and loved her dedication.
She emulated her sweet Mother, Mrs. Bitner………….
My heart to all the kids who we shared times in the youth group at Parkview.
May God Bless and comfort you.
Michael Watts
I am so sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. She was like a second mom to me growing up, first on Leland Street and then on Jo Betsy. She always had a smile on her face and a great laugh. Sherri, Bill, Brad, Jim and the rest of the family please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Rhonda Lemaster Banister
Even at this time of sadness over the loss of this precious lady, my thoughts keep going back to the great times we had together as neighbors in two different locations. Raising our children, building homes at the same time and next door to each other, Friday night fish frys and camping are just a few on the wonderful times we spent together. But perhaps the greatest time of all was attending church together. Linda introduced me to Parkview Baptist Church and was a great influence on my life through her Christian example and gentle spirit. I am a better person for knowing this precious lady. Sending my prayers and love to Sherri, Brad, Bill, Jim and the rest of the family.
I am so sorry of hearing of Gods calling Linda home. My love and condolences go to Jimmy and the family. My God give you strength and I know you know he is with you every step of the way. Linda was a kind and caring person that I will always remember. Love you Jimmy.
My thoughts & prayers for Jimmy & the family. I know God bought you two together when you both needed that special other person in their lives. May God comfort you in his loving arms. Love ya!!
On behalf of Crestview Healthcare, staff and residents we send our deepest condolences. Linda was such a sweet and kind lady, she dedicated her time to our facility even when she didn’t often feel well, she still thought of others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
SUMMER’S END
Our summer left us in grand style
Lakes sparkled in the sun’s bright smile
Great fluffy clouds in a blue sky
Swallows grouping ready to fly.
To southern climes, for well they know
Next comes autumn, then winter’s snow
Now summer flowers still abound
With summer greenness all around
Soon autumn colors will begin
Leaves tumble down, they dance and spin
As seasons change we are aware
In all life’s changes, God is there
It matters not what lies ahead
When we remember we’re God-led
We can live in His cheer each day
Knowing He’s with us in all life’s way.
Wilma Brandt -2011
Linda practiced and lived her Christian conviction. She was a true light to a world that needs hope.
We send our heartfelt sympathy and love to you, Jim, and all of the family of Linda. She was our very first new friend at Parkview Church and we have already felt the loss of having her sit near us in church. Even though she was suffering from her own cancer, she encouraged us with compassion and concern for our daughter who has breast cancer. What a shining example of Christian love to reach out with love to others even when in pain themselves. We have been in awe of her and John Collier both who are such tremendous inspirational leaders in Christian love. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
We send our heartfelt sympathy and love to you, Jim, and all of Linda’s family. She was our very first new friend and one of the many reasons that we wanted to join the Parkview Church family. Her presence sitting next to us in church has been and will always be missed greatly! Even though she was suffering from a relapse of cancer, she reached out to us with compassion and concern for our fears about our daughter who has breast cancer. Both Linda and John Collier have astounded us with the perfect examples of Christian love toward one another even when faced with their own adversity. She will always have a special place in our hearts and we will keep you and family in our prayers during this difficult time.
I want to send my condolences to all of the Hodges and Sutton family in this time of great sorrow. May the Lord Bless you and Keep you during this time. There are wonderful memories of Aunt Linda that come flooding back. What a wonderful life.
I worked with Linda at PMSI. She was a very sweet lady and always so very helpful and friendly to all of her co-workers. I am sure that you will all miss her so very much.