Kathryn Dorris Hodges

Kathryn Mae Dorris Hodges was born in Roswell, Georgia on December 21, 1925 and died at her home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on March 16, 2021.  She was the daughter of Simeon Newton Dorris and Mary Lillian Dorris and the sister of Charlotte Sneed, Nolan Dorris, Hugh Dorris and Pitner Dorris, all of whom are deceased.

Kathryn was a beautiful Georgia peach and met her husband, Lloyd (Buck) Hodges while they were both working in Atlanta, Georgia.  They quickly fell in love, married in June 1947 and remained together until Buck’s death in March 2009.  Kathryn and Buck lived in many places due to Buck’s military service. They especially enjoyed their three years in Bermuda, but eventually found their way back to Fort Walton Beach, Florida where they remained after Buck’s retirement from the United States Air Force.

Kathryn and Buck have two daughters: Rita Gleason (Charlie) and Faye Heckel (David); two granddaughters: Jennifer Spencer (Brad) and Hannah Heckel; and two great grandchildren: Nate and Ayla Spencer.  She loved her family dearly, was always concerned for their well-being and made sure everyone’s needs were met.

She learned to sew as a teenager and loved sewing for her family.  Her daughters were honored when she lovingly sacrificed many hours of her time making their wedding dresses.  She was also a wonderful cook and her nieces and nephews quickly learned that Aunt Kat’s cooking was a special treat.  They made many trips to Florida to enjoy her delicious meals and she always enjoyed their visits.

She said she was also blessed with many wonderful friends throughout her life and enjoyed staying in touch with her classmates from Milton High School in Milton, Georgia as well as the many friends she and Buck made during his military career.  Kathryn especially enjoyed spending time with her friends from church.   She loved talking to people and never met a stranger.

Kathryn served as a Sunday School teacher for many years and blessed the lives of many children during those years. Her Christian faith sustained her during the many seasons of her life and provided her with hope and comfort in the last days of her life.  We cherish the time we had with her and will miss her greatly.

Arrangements entrusted to Emerald Coast Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where friends and family will celebrate her life on Saturday, March 20, 2021 between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Interment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. 

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