Virginia Elizabeth Williams Hodges

Virginia Elizabeth Williams Hodges, ‘Ginny’ and ‘Nana’, 80, of Acworth, GA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, in the company of her loving family. Born January 16, 1945, in Cairo, GA, she was the third oldest child of the late Ira Williams and Sarah Williams (nee Marshall). She grew up in Cairo, alongside 12 brothers and sisters, and graduated from Washington Consolidated High School in Cairo, GA, in 1963. She went on to pursue her undergraduate studies at Tuskegee Institute before transferring to Albany State College, where she obtained a Bachelor of Education degree in 1968. After raising a family and teaching school for several years, she returned to school to pursue graduate studies and obtained her Master of Education degree in 2004.

Ginny enjoyed a long-lasting career as a beloved teacher for over 40 years in elementary and middle grades at Southside Elementary School and Washington Middle School in Cairo. She was a lover of Georgia history and her passion shone through as a teacher. One of her proudest accomplishments, that she would often reflect on and so many of her former students would attest to, was her quest to promote education and self-growth among young people by mentoring young women through various organizations. After relocating to Atlanta, to be near her family, she continued teaching at Hapeville Elementary School in East Point, GA, and retired from Fulton County Schools in 2009.

The joy of Ginny’s life was her family. Ginny was a loving and devoted mother to Sean and Zack, and absolutely relished her role as a grandmother (‘Nana’). Nana was often found at her grandchildrens’ schools and extracurricular events. She was her grandkids’ biggest cheerleader at sporting events, rarely missing a baseball tournament, and would support and cheer fiercely for her grandkids, and all the kids on the field. Her loving spirit and joyous laugh showered all around her. She loved travelling with her family and would always look forward to exploring new places with her grandkids.

Ginny will be missed immeasurably but her beautiful light will continue to shine in the lives of her beloved family. She is survived by two children, Sean Andre Hodges (Lisa), of Acworth, GA, and Zachary Veon Hodges (Frances) of Powder Springs, GA; and five beloved grandchildren: Andre, Jeremiah, and Marcelle Hodges; John Hodges; and Sydney Scott; as well as several siblings in Cairo, GA, and San Antonio, Texas, and countless nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in her hometown of Cairo, GA, at a later date.