Clarence Hodges

Clarence Elijah Hodges began his life journey on June 18, 1921 in Little Rock, Arkansas, the “baby” of Will and Callie (Banks) Hodges’ large family. He received his early Christian Education and training at Mt. Nebo A.M.E. Church in Little Rock. He graduated from the historic Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and was Valedictorian of the Class of 1940.

Clarence Hodges enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, home of the famed “Buffalo Soldiers” (the 9th and 10th Calvary Regiments) formed in 1866. He was a certified First Cook, a Mess Sergeant, proud to serve his country and very proud of his cooking. Sgt. Hodges married his childhood friend, Arelia Thompson, in 1942. After his discharge, he moved his young family to Buchanan, Michigan where he worked at Clark Equipment Company. In 1945 they moved to Niles, Michigan where Daddy built the family home on South 17th Street.

They joined Franklin A.M.E. Church where he worked faithfully in the Christian Education Department, the Senior Choir and the Lay Organization. Always a teacher, he loved Sunday School and was the superintendent for many years. At Franklin he started the annual Father’s Day Breakfast to honor, recognize, and encourage the fathers and father figures in the church and community. Mr. Hodges was a life-long member of the Niles Branch N.A.A.C.P., honored as Treasurer Emeritus for his dedicated service in that office. In good health, he served on the Niles Township Park Board, served a term as Berrien County Commissioner, and worked with the Republican Party.

Mr. Hodges always wanted to be a teacher and encouraged young people to consider a career in education. He worked nights at Clark Equipment Company and attend classes at The University of Notre Dame during the day. Still focused on his goal, he managed to balance, work, play, family and finances and modeled faith, perseverance, hard work, and integrity in his daily life. He graduated from Notre Dame, with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1955 and a Master of Arts Degree in 1957. He later earned an Education Specialist Degree from Michigan State University.

In 1955 he began his teaching career at Bard Junior High School. Bard was then an independent school district and later became part of the Benton Harbor Schools. In February 1962 Mr. Hodges was appointed as the Teacher Principal at Bard, a historical ‘first’ for African American educators in Berrien County. He was appointed principal of Morton Elementary School in 1966. He taught at every grade level and especially enjoyed working as a reading specialist in the elementary schools. He retired in 1996 at age 75, completing a very fruitful teaching career that spanned 41 years. When questioned about his delayed retirement, he explained. ”I never had any plans to retire. Retirement never meant anything to me because I never considered teaching as work.”

Clarence Elijah Hodges passed peacefully on Sunday morning, July 21, 2013 at Buchanan Meadows Living Center in Buchanan, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his wife Arelia, son, Waymon Melvin Hodges, and granddaughter, Janel Renee Highsmith, his parents and 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

He is survived by

4 children: Martin Joe Hodges, Saundria Jean Hodges Wilson, and Don Carlos Hodges of Niles, Michigan; and Andria Lois (&Isaac) Hood, Sr. of Canton, Michigan.

15 grandchildren: Donald C. Highsmith III, Lance Anthony and Cherie Y’vette Wilson; Isaac John, Jr. and Saquaia Arlizia Hood; DaJuan Donta Hodges, Melanie Shree Ann (&Davin) Hackett; Melvenea Renae and Richard Burt Hodges; and Waymel Donnly Hodges, Sr.; Akeziah Gabrielle Hodges, Shauntai (&Marty) Gipson, Shalon Marie Demory, and Ashly Anne and Fawna Cyphert

24 great, grandchildren, 2 great, great grandchildren, daughter-in-law Dorthena Hodges of Benton Harbor, Michigan, a brother-in-law Frank Thompson in Little Rock, Arkansas and generations of nephews, nieces, and cousins; childhood friend, Emma Davenport in Berkeley, California, his Franklin A.M.E. Church family, and many neighbors, and friends.

Funeral services for Clarence Elijah Hodges will be held at 11:00a.m. on Monday, July 29, 2013 at the Franklin A.M.E. Church in Niles with The Rev. Rebecca Mitchell of the church officiating. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles with and will conclude with the Military Honors of the Buchanan American Legion Post #51.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6-8:00p.m. on Sunday, July 28, 2013 at the Halbritter Funeral Home with an Evening Devotion by Rev. Saundria Hodges Wilson beginning at 7:15p.m.

Donations in memory of Clarence may be made to the Franklin A.M.E. Church, Niles.

Monday July 29, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Franklin AME Church

Sunday July 28, 2013, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Halbritter Funeral Home

Sunday July 28, 2013, 7:15 p.m. at Halbritter Funeral Home