Margaret Elizabeth (Hatcher) Hodges

Margaret Elizabeth (Hatcher) Hodges, 80, of Pine Mountain, Georgia, and Linville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, June 4, in her hometown of Albany, Georgia. Margaret was born on September 30, 1940, the second child to Liston H. and Nadelle (Ivey) Hatcher and is survived by her loving siblings, Peggy Jo Mercer Musgrove, L.H. “Buster” Hatcher (Darlene) and Elaine Hatcher Owens (Phillip). Margaret was married to the love of her life, Kenneth Bryant “Buddy” Hodges, Jr., who predeceased her in 1995. Margaret and Buddy had two beloved children together, Kenneth Bryant “Ken” Hodges, III, (Melissa) and Marjorie “Margie” Wetherbee Hodges Shaw (Brian) and she loved her step-daughter Phebe Putney Hodges Hacking. Margaret doted on her grandchildren, Jackson Shaw, Katy Shaw, Margaret Hodges and Jack Hodges, and delighted in them along with her many beloved nephews and nieces, their children and grandchildren, and many relatives and in-laws. The family would also like to acknowledge the community of Grandfather Golf and Country Club, Linville, North Carolina, where Margaret spent many wonderful decades with friends who became like family and the community of Longleaf, Callaway Gardens, where Margaret lived during the last season of her life with special family and treasured neighbors, greatly enjoying the beauty of Callaway’s natural surroundings. 

Margaret had an insatiable appetite for life and learning. A former beauty queen, an extraordinary sportswoman, a successful businesswoman and realtor, and a self-taught investor, Margaret’s immense charm and welcoming nature, coupled with her gift for delightful conversation, made any moment spent in her presence joyful and memorable. Margaret was also a skilled home cook and gardener, talents which she shared generously with family and friends. Margaret and Buddy’s legendary hospitality and warmth created memories her family and friends will always treasure.

In her final weeks, Margaret said she experienced heaven here on earth anytime she was with the ones she loved. And, she loved you all.

The family is receiving friends on Sunday, June 6, between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. at Mathews Funeral Home. Her graveside funeral service is Monday, June 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery in downtown Albany. The Rev. Raymond Levreault is officiating.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital’s MICU unit and the care given by the staff at the Willson Hospice House. Memorials in Margaret’s honor can be made to the Willson Hospice House, 320 Foundation Lane, Albany, Georgia, 31707 or supportphoebe.org/givetohospice.