Verla Jeanne Hodges of Houston, Texas, passed away at the age of 75 on September 12, 2023 in Houston after a courageous fight from injuries caused by her accident on May 9, 2022. She passed peacefully as her husband, Larry, was by her side when she took her last breath. Verla was born on May 5, 1948 in Blackwell, Oklahoma to Jack and Gleeola Ferguson.
Verla was raised on a farm as a young child in Blackwell. She is the second child of six. She and her three sisters and two brothers grew up closely and remain close today. At the age of nine, Verla moved with her family to southern California where she graduated from LaMirada High School. After High School, Verla attended Brigham Young University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education. It is also where she met the love of her life, Larry Hodges. After a very brief courtship, Verla and Larry were engaged and then married on June 19, 1970 in the LDS Los Angeles temple. They have been married for over 53 years. Verla and Larry began their family shortly after they married. They had 5 children in 8 years keeping Verla very busy in her younger years. She had the privilege of staying home and raising their kids until they were old enough for her to return to work. They taught their children the gospel of Jesus Christ and to always be kind to others. Both she and Larry created many family traditions that they still keep today. Verla often told
Her favorite moments were spent with her family. She adored being a grandmother and absolutely loved spending any time with her grandchildren. She loved having big family dinners, playing games, having “girls’ nights”, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and being with her husband, children and grandchildren in any capacity. Verla is survived by her husband, Larry Hodges; Children: Tammera (Eric) Tankersley, Anna (James) Tomlin, Adam (Mandy) Hodges, Janelle (Jonathan) Harris, and Heather (Matthew) Dewey; Grandchildren: Jacob, Matthew, Ethan, Lauren, Katelyn, Alyson, Madelyn, Emily, and Isabella; Siblings: Darla Ferguson, Pamela (Mark) Morris, Loetta Terry, Jack (Michele) Ferguson, and John (Marian) Ferguson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, extended family members, and close friends. Verla is preceded in death by her parents, 5 nieces and 2 nephews. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at the Houston National Cemetery. The service will begin at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Wilson Elementary School Library. Checks can be made payable to Peggy Wilson Elementary. In the memo portion, please write Verla Hodges Library Donation. Donations can be mailed to Peggy Wilson Elementary (℅ Raenell Anderson) 18015 Kieth Harrow Blvd. Houston, Texas 77084. The family would like to especially thank the caregivers, doctors, and nurses who cared for Mom in the last 16 months, and to all our family and friends who have been so supportive and helpful. There are so many and we feel very blessed by all of you. Words can never describe the love we felt by you with your prayers, kindnesses, and visits. Mom was very appreciative and loved you all so much. 
Services
Graveside Service
Tue. Sep. 26, 2023
10:30 am
Houston National Cemetery
10410 Veterans Memorial Drive
Houston , TX 77038.
Houston National Cemetery
Houston , TX 77038.
Houston , TX 77038.
Verla Jeanne Hodges of Houston, Texas, passed away at the age of 75 on September 12, 2023 in Houston after a courageous fight from injuries caused by her accident on May 9, 2022. She passed peacefully as her husband, Larry, was by her side when she took her last breath. Verla was born on May 5, 1948 in Blackwell, Oklahoma to Jack and Gleeola Ferguson.
Verla was raised on a farm as a young child in Blackwell. She is the second child of six. She and her three sisters and two brothers grew up closely and remain close today. At the age of nine, Verla moved with her family to southern California where she graduated from LaMirada High School. After High School, Verla attended Brigham Young University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education. It is also where she met the love of her life, Larry Hodges. After a very brief courtship, Verla and Larry were engaged and then married on June 19, 1970 in the LDS Los Angeles temple. They have been married for over 53 years. Verla and Larry began their family shortly after they married. They had 5 children in 8 years keeping Verla very busy in her younger years. She had the privilege of staying home and raising their kids until they were old enough for her to return to work. They taught their children the gospel of Jesus Christ and to always be kind to others. Both she and Larry created many family traditions that they still keep today. Verla often told
her children, “You are my greatest blessings.” Verla and Larry lived in many places before settling down with their family in 1989 in Houston. She and her husband lived in Utah, Oregon, Washington, California, and Texas. In the fall of 1989, Verla continued her education career at Wilson Elementary in Cypress Fairbanks ISD where she worked as a teacher and instructional coach for over 26 years. Verla’s passion was teaching children to read. She spent countless hours figuring out how to help students read and how to help their teachers be better educators. She was famously known for her baked goods as part of spoiling the staff and she would go to bat for those she felt had the heart to instruct students. Verla was an exemplary example to others of her faith as she lived her life with integrity and love. She inspired others personally as well as professionally. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served within various positions and always did so to the best of her abilities giving her all. Verla was very talented and enjoyed her time sewing, drawing, painting, writing, reading, cooking, and baking. One of Verla’s love languages was feeding others amazing food. She loved sharing her delicious treats with friends and neighbors.
Her favorite moments were spent with her family. She adored being a grandmother and absolutely loved spending any time with her grandchildren. She loved having big family dinners, playing games, having “girls’ nights”, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and being with her husband, children and grandchildren in any capacity.
Verla is survived by her husband, Larry Hodges; Children: Tammera (Eric) Tankersley, Anna (James) Tomlin, Adam (Mandy) Hodges, Janelle (Jonathan) Harris, and Heather (Matthew) Dewey; Grandchildren: Jacob, Matthew, Ethan, Lauren, Katelyn, Alyson, Madelyn, Emily, and Isabella; Siblings: Darla Ferguson, Pamela (Mark) Morris, Loetta Terry, Jack (Michele) Ferguson, and John (Marian) Ferguson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, extended family members, and close friends.
Verla is preceded in death by her parents, 5 nieces and 2 nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at the Houston National Cemetery. The service will begin at 10:30am.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Wilson Elementary School Library. Checks can be made payable to Peggy Wilson Elementary. In the memo portion, please write Verla Hodges Library Donation. Donations can be mailed to Peggy Wilson Elementary (℅ Raenell Anderson) 18015 Kieth Harrow Blvd. Houston, Texas 77084.
The family would like to especially thank the caregivers, doctors, and nurses who cared for Mom in the last 16 months, and to all our family and friends who have been so supportive and helpful. There are so many and we feel very blessed by all of you. Words can never describe the love we felt by you with your prayers, kindnesses, and visits. Mom was very appreciative and loved you all so much.
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