Lucille McDaniel Hodges, affectionately known as Lucy, of Dallas, Texas passed away in peace on July 22, 2021 at the age of 87. She was born May 25, 1934 to Henry H. Ray and Lucille (McDaniel) Ray in Galveston, Texas. Lucy attended the University of Texas at Austin, and earned her bachelor’s degree and Master’s Degree from Abilene Christian University. She furthered her education earning her Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. She met the love of her life, Carlton Hodges while he was attending medical school at UT Galveston, undenounced to him and bewildered by beauty and brains it was Miss Galveston with whom he would spend the rest of his days.
Lucy was a well revered professor of mathematics at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas and in her retirement continued to share her passion of teaching online with the University of Phoenix. She was a member of Mensa, and at home was referred to as the “Egghead.” As a result of her accomplishments along with that of her beloved husband’s achievements, they were often referred together as Dr. and Dr. Hodges.
Lucy was consistently driven to better her surrounding community. While at McMurry she was a sponsor for TIP, the women’s social club on campus. She was a member of the Abilene Philharmonic association where she was committed to sharing her love for music. As a member of the Women’s Club of Abilene along with the Junior League of Abilene, she worked to help those in the community who were less fortunate. Her work did not stop there. She taught Sunday school alongside her beloved husband Carlton at the Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene, Texas where she also played the organ and piano for the choir. She also led Girl Scouts for girls.
Participating in her children’s activities was her utmost priority. She was committed to the involvement and sharing of life experiences with her three daughters. Her children’s enthusiasm led to many relentless hours with the Abilene Community Theater and Abilene Metropolitan Ballet Company. Recitals, rehearsals, costumes and more; there was nothing more important than the happiness of her three beautiful girls.
Lucy was also the consummate hostess alongside her dear husband Carlton. The Medical Auxiliary enjoyed numerous gatherings at the Hodges residence as their three girls eavesdropped in amazement time after time. An invitation to their home was a guaranteed affair to remember to say the least! When not entertaining in Abilene, Lucy was the honorable hostess at the family’s Possum Kingdom Lake house. Cooking, boating, skiing and 4th of July fireworks at Hell’s Gate were her favorite lake activities. Teaching her girls and grandchildren to swim and ski was never debatable. Her lake house mantra, although harsh as it may seem, was simply, “Sink or Swim!”
A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Lucy was also a trailblazer who traversed the globe over her long and most wonderful life. She will always be remembered for her ambition, her strength and her courage. She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Her journey has only just begun. Her infinite expedition will open the doors of eternity for her family and loved ones so they may join her in the transcendent splendor that is love when all are reunited in the kingdom of Heaven.
Lucy is survived by her daughters, Becky Starzinski and husband, Bob of Dallas, Texas; Karen Hodges and husband, Cordell Warr of Park City, Utah; grandchildren, Tyler Grimm and fiancé, Katlyn Knowlton of Midland, Texas; and Kirstin Grimm and fiancé, Carter Smith of Dallas, Texas; son-in-law, Art Walsh, of Montgomery, Texas; and numerous other loving family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dr. Carlton Hodges; daughter, Debby Walsh; and sister, Skeets Ray.
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The family will receive friends during a visitation from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm., on Monday, July 26, 2021 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North in Allen, Texas. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene, Texas.