Melinda Ann Hodges

Melinda Ann Hodges died peacefully on March 12, 2026, in Statesboro at East Georgia Regional Medical Center at the age of 65, surrounded by her family.

Born on March 12, 1961, in Savannah, Georgia, Melinda lived a life marked by dedication, warmth, and a deep commitment to nurturing others. She began her career as a librarian at the Evans County Public Library and continued to serve for many years as a librarian for the Evans County School System. Her passion for knowledge and books shone through in the Story Time sessions she hosted, bringing smiles and wonder to generations of young children.

For 39 years, Melinda and her husband Randy shared a loving marriage filled with travel, family milestones, and quiet joys. She found happiness in gardening, days at the beach, and attending her grandchildren’s activities. A longtime member of Rehoboth Missionary Baptist Church, she was also an active participant in Beta Sigma Phi, the Order of the Eastern Star’s Martha Washington Chapter No. 300, First Foundation, and CARES, organizations that reflected her strong sense of fellowship and community service.

Melinda is survived by her devoted husband of 39 years, Randy Hodges; her mother, Bobby Ivie Baker; her oldest son Zach Hodges (Julie Hodges) and their children, Porter Hodges and Anderson Hodges; her youngest son Darby Hodges (Nicole Hodges) and their children, Grace Hodges, Emma Hodges, and Clara Hodges; her brother, Bryan Baker (Anita Baker) and son Cody Baker; and her sisters, Debra Lynne (Bill Lynne) and their children Christopher Avant (Tiffany Avant) and Jennifer Holloway (Joseph Holloway), and Lisa Bright (John Bright) and their children Ivie Page (Evan Page) and Erica Griffin (Paul Griffin). She was preceded in death by her father, Jerrel Baker.

Melinda will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her boundless love, her commitment to education and community, and the many lives she touched with kindness and care.