Louis Hodges

To My Beloved Family, As I take my rest in the presence of the Most High, I pen this nal letter with a heart full of gratitude, re ection, and love. I, Louis Edward Hodges, your brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin , and friend, was born the youngest son to Paul and Annie B. Hodges on February 12, 1947, in Lexington, Mississippi. Together with my siblings, I was raised under the rm but loving hands of two faithful parents who taught us Christian values, the dignity of hard work, and the power of unconditional love. From an early age, I accepted Christ as Lord and began my walk with Him at Sweet Caanan Church of God in Christ. at seed, planted in Mississippi, was watered over the years and truly blossomed in 1986 when I embraced my calling—supporting and counseling those on the road to recovery. at journey of service, humility, and faith became my life’s ministry for nearly forty years. I was educated in Lexington and Tchula before making my way to Chicago, where I found my livelihood at Block Steel in Skokie. For four decades, I gave my all there, and when retirement came, I turned even more of my energy to “ e Program”—pouring into others, sponsoring, leading, and walking hand in hand with those ghting to recover what life may have tried to steal. My journey was not without heartache. I was preceded in rest by my parents, my sisters Minnie, Rozelle, Augustine, and Magdeline “Tina,” my brother Paul Jr., and many dear loved ones—nieces, nephews, and friends who went ahead of me to glory. I now join them in peace. To those I leave behind, carry me in your heart, not in sorrow, but in celebration. My daughters Trevia and Carmen, my bonus daughters Shelia and Charlotte, and my son Brandon “BJ”—you are my legacy. To my sister Doris, my aunt Lillie, my grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family—thank you for giving my life richness beyond words. My love for you is eternal. To my beloved grandchildren—Oshia Brooks; Quinton Brooks (Ashlan), Quron Brooks, Cameron Carpenter, Myion Jones, Syion Jones; bonus grandchildren Demi Young, Dakota Young, and Jeremy McIntosh— know that you brought light into my life. Your smiles, your laughter, and your dreams were the crown jewels of my heart. To my precious great-grandchildren—Chozen Hodges Brooks and Sevyn Savannah Turner; and bonus great-grandson, Marque Moman—my prayer is that you grow strong in grace, rooted in faith, and proud of the name you carry. To my dear friends—Geraldine, Terry, Vicki, Stephanie—and to all my brothers and sisters in “ e Program,” I saw you, I loved you, I believed in you. I PRAY MY LIFE STOOD AS A TESTAMENT TO SECOND chances, steadfast faith, and boundless grace. And to my beloved cousins—Versie, Odell, and the late Bobby—and to Lillie “Tussie” and Napoleon, my oldest niece and nephew—you held a special place in my heart. Our bond was sacred. As I rest now, know this: my crown was not made of gold, but of service, love, and faith. I pray I wore it well. Live boldly, forgive freely, and walk humbly with your God. My spirit is with you always. With love beyond the veil, Louis Edward Hodges Your King.

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