Tampa mourns loss of missionary and educator 'Mother Hodges’
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The Tampa community is mourning the loss of human rights award winner Ruth Hodges. The missionary and educator, known to many in East Tampa as "Mother Hodges," died at the age of 97. Hodges reached more communities globally through her missionary work. Hodges also dedicated more than 40 years of her life to Haiti helping to build churches, schools, and orphanages. Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn says the community "has lost a true servant and icon.
" Ruth Hodges was born in 1926 in New York City and grew up during the Harlem Renaissance era. After stops in Washington D. C. , Connecticut, and Arkansas she would eventually call East Tampa home. She was called ‘"Mother Hodges" by the community and the countless number of students she tutored or taught piano.