Celebrating the life of
Pearl Harris Hodge
May 26, 1915 - November 12, 2008
Pearl Harris Hodge
SAVANNAH – Mrs. David Brainerd Hodge, 93, died on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 in Savannah.
Pearl Harris Hodge was born on May 26, 1915 in Jesup, Georgia and lived in Wayne County, Georgia throughout her childhood. She attended O'Quinn Grammar School and Screven High School. Her first two years of college were at Wesleyan Methodist College in Central, South Carolina. She began her teaching career at an elementary school in Odum, Georgia and continued her education at Georgia Southern Teachers College in Statesboro, Georgia until her graduation with a degree in Education. She taught at both the elementary school and junior high school levels. While in summer school at Georgia Southern she met her future husband, David Brainerd Hodge of Savannah. They were married in May of 1941 and moved to Savannah where her husband was already a history teacher.
Her first employment in Savannah was briefly in Social Services, but she returned to her chosen profession as a teacher at Oglethorpe Avenue School. Pearl's love of history shined through her teaching of the course as well as taking classes of 8th and 9th graders to visit Washington, DC, Jamestown, and colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Pearl enjoyed a fulfilling teaching career for decades at Charles Ellis, Bartlett and Wilder Schools.
Throughout her years in Savannah, she remained an active member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, The Huntingdon Club, The Froebel Circle and was a very enthusiastic fundraiser for the Savannah Symphony.
Pearl was very active member of the Garden Club of Savannah. She became a State Life Member of the Garden Club of Georgia, as well as a nationally accredited Flower Show Judge. She worked very hard to help create the annual NOGS Tour of Homes and Gardens in downtown Savannah, with a formal tea at the Green Meldrim House, as well as assisted with the establishment of The Women's Center on Eisenhower Drive. Before retiring from teaching, she assisted Mrs. Mary Myrick in starting the Junior Garden Clubs of Savannah.
Following her husband's death in 1975, she spent the next two summers as Resident Director of The Froebel Circle's Fresh Air Home at Tybee Island. The Fresh Air Home continues to provide a faith-based residential camping experience for underprivileged children throughout the Coastal Empire each summer.
Pearl was a world traveler and visited six of the seven continents. She was always looking forward to planning her next adventure.
As a devout member of First Presbyterian Church, she was a faithful Sunday School teacher, an Elder, and a member of the Church's session. Together with Dr. Steven Williams and fellow church members, she helped promote the Christmas International Student Program, which invites students from other countries to be guests of the First Presbyterian Church during the Christmas holidays, promoting global understanding and goodwill.
Always mindful of her responsibilities, Pearl will be remembered for her steadfastness, generosity, and her dedication to being the best possible example of the Christian Ministry to her family and all those she came in contact with.
She was predeceased by: her husband, David Brainerd Hodge, her parents, Maude Bennett Harris and Rev. Frank H. Harris, her sister and husbands, Beulah H. Lynn and John Lynn, Edythe H. Martin and Rufus Martin, Irene H. Rigdon and Edward Rigdon, Ruth H. Coleman and Edward Coleman, brother-in-law, Charles S. Rockwell.
Surviving relatives: Sons and wives, David Brainerd Hodge, III and Jane Hodge, Frederick Harris Hodge and Cheryl F. Hodge, Grandchildren: David, Rachel, and Charles Hodge, James Gillespie and Jennifer Moore, Great Grandchildren: William and O'Neal Hodge, Tony Cisto and Sonia Moore, Her sister, Ava H. Rockwell, Her Brother and wife, Rev. Frank H. Harris and Mabel Harris of Macon, GA, and 14 Nieces and nephews
A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church at 520 Washington Avenue in Savannah, Georgia. A reception to be held immediately following in Stewart Hall at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to The Froebel Circle, P.O. Box 14144, Savannah, Georgia 31416 or The First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31405
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Pearl was always a gracious lady. I can still recall visiting in her home many times while I was growing up on 65th St. Both Renee and I enjoyed her company and wisdom during the times when she was active at First Presbyterian Church. We will always have pleasant memories of her.
- Steve and Renee McGehee, Savannah, GA
Frederick: Our deepest condolences for the lost of your mother.Just wanted to let you know we're thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Perry and Priscilla
- Perry and Priscilla Russell, Ellabell, GA
My sister,Pearl, was the third oldest of the six girls in the Harris family. When I was born Pearl being the oldest sister remaining at home took on parental responsibility for me. Perhaps I was the first of the many students she taught.She was a good example to follow. She worked hard to achieve her education and goals. While managing well her resources,she was generous and eager to help others.
- Frank H. Harris.Jr., Macon, GA
93 is a rich age. God blesses each of us with talents. Pearl used her's for the good of others.
- Wilma Harris Bennett, Jesup, GA
My Aunt Pearl was one of the most sincere and gifted women..I will definitely miss her and so will our community she worked so diligently with will certainly miss her
- jerry coleman aunt pear's nephew, savannah,, GA
I met Ms. Hodge 10 Years ago through my friend Jerry Coleman and she without question was a born caretaker and a spiritual advisor Every one loved Ms. Hodge
- Cassius L Thomas, savannah, GA
Our deepest sympathy is with you and your family. 'We are not put on this earth to see through one another, but to see one another through.' Your family remains in our prayers.
- Shannon, George and Gillian Hicks, Pooler, GA
Pearl was always a gracious lady. I can still recall visiting in her home many times while I was growing up on 65th St. Both Renee and I enjoyed her company and wisdom during the times when she was active at First Presbyterian Church. We will always have pleasant memories of her.
- Steve and Renee McGehee, Savannah, GA
Frederick: Our deepest condolences for the lost of your mother.Just wanted to let you know we're thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Perry and Priscilla
- Perry and Priscilla Russell, Ellabell, GA
My sister,Pearl, was the third oldest of the six girls in the Harris family. When I was born Pearl being the oldest sister remaining at home took on parental responsibility for me. Perhaps I was the first of the many students she taught.She was a good example to follow. She worked hard to achieve her education and goals. While managing well her resources,she was generous and eager to help others.
- Frank H. Harris.Jr., Macon, GA
93 is a rich age. God blesses each of us with talents. Pearl used her's for the good of others.
- Wilma Harris Bennett, Jesup, GA
My Aunt Pearl was one of the most sincere and gifted women..I will definitely miss her and so will our community she worked so diligently with will certainly miss her
- jerry coleman aunt pear's nephew, savannah,, GA
I met Ms. Hodge 10 Years ago through my friend Jerry Coleman and she without question was a born caretaker and a spiritual advisor Every one loved Ms. Hodge
- Cassius L Thomas, savannah, GA
Our deepest sympathy is with you and your family. 'We are not put on this earth to see through one another, but to see one another through.' Your family remains in our prayers.
- Shannon, George and Gillian Hicks, Pooler, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
