Mayme W Hodges

Obituary For Mayme W Hodges

Mayme Louise Weaver Hodges was born on December 14, 1929, in Lakeland, Florida, to the late Melvin Weaver Sr. and Alice (Haggins) Weaver. Mayme was the fifth of seven siblings.

Mayme accepted Christ at the Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Institutional Church, Lakeland, Florida. The church pastor, Rev. George John Martin, took Mayme and her younger sister, Elizabeth Weaver, in with their family and raised them to be fine Christian women. Mayme and Elizabeth matriculated to Florida Normal College in St. Augustine for post-graduate education. Mayme transferred from Florida Normal College, now Florida Memorial College, to Hampton Institute, now Hampton University, in Hampton, Virginia, to be close to her father, who resided in nearby Newport News, Virginia. Mayme graduated from Hampton Institute in 1952, earning a Bachelor of Science in education. She concluded her studies at Stetson University in 1981, graduating with a Master of Education.

With more than 35 years of experience, Mayme Weaver Hodges is a retired educator who has since dedicated her efforts to the betterment of her community. Before her retirement, she served as an elementary school teacher for Pinellas County Schools in Clearwater and Largo from 1955 to 1989. Mayme began her career as an elementary school teacher at Broward County Public Schools in Pompano, Florida, from 1952 to 1954.

Beyond her responsibilities within her field, Mayme participated in numerous endeavors outside of her professional circles. Excelling as the interim city commissioner for the City of Clearwater from 1992 to 1993, she subsequently contributed to the Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board for Clearwater from 1994 to 1997. Moreover, she was a nominating commissioner for the Board of City and County Commissioners in Clearwater and the 6th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida from 1993 to 1996.

She worked on the board of directors for The Long Center in Clearwater. Mayme served on the executive committee for the Pinellas County Democratic Party from 1987 to 1997 and on the board of directors for the Hunter Blood Center of Clearwater from 1994 to 1997. She held the post of Region IV director between 1996 and 1997.

In addition to her primary vocation, Mayme remained affiliated with various organizations in her areas of expertise. From 1987 to 1988, she maintained her involvement with the Ruth Eckerd Hall as a volunteer usher. She was also a Silver Star Life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and served as the president, the vice president, the treasurer, and the secretary. She received the Appreciation of Leadership Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha in 1986. Furthermore, Mayme was active with the North Pinellas County Retired Educators Association in multiple capacities, including the co-president from 1994 to 1995, the president from 2012 to 2014, and the District 6 regional director.

In light of her exceptional undertakings, Mayme accrued several accolades throughout her impressive career. In 1992, she accepted a Community Service Award from the Small Business Administration.

She was celebrated with a Liberty Bell Award from the Clearwater Bar Association and the title of “Ms. Clearwater” by the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce in 1996. Likewise, Mayme was selected for inclusion in the 21st edition of Who’s Who of American Women and the 73rd edition of Who’s Who in America. She was named one of the Clearwater Historical Society’s Women’s History Trailblazer Award recipients in 2022.

Mayme and her husband, Thomas, were founding members of the Church of Reconciler, Clearwater, Florida. They later joined the Mt. Olive AME Church family, where she served on the Greeter’s Ministry and helped with Vacation Bible School yearly. Mayme’s love for working with children was immeasurable.

Mayme was married to her husband, Thomas Hodges, in 1953 until his passing in 2017.

Mayme leaves to cherish her memories…

Son: Glenn Hodges (Mary)

Daughter: LaTanya Hodges Raffington (Vincent)

Grandchildren: Grier Willis (Christopher), Varisia Raffington, Gerica Raffington, and Grant Hodges

Great–grandchildren: Tristyn Norton and Aria Willis

Godchildren: David Jelks, Sedeeva Godwin, Robin Green, and Danielle Ballard

A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Public Viewing: Friday, March 22, 2023 (6 PM - 8 PM) at Mt. Olive AME Church 600 Jones St., Clearwater, FL 33755

Home Going Celebration: Saturday, March 23, 2023, 11 AM at Mt. Olive AME Church 600 Jones St., Clearwater, FL 33755

Services Entrusted to Smith-Young's Funeral Home & Cremations Services, 1005 Howard St., Clearwater, FL 33756