Peggy Lee Hodge Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Peggy Lee Hodge kept the Faith, ran the race and received her eternal reward on July 24, 2022. She was born in Flint Michigan on June 6, 1953 to Mr. and Mrs. Larry Poe, and adopted by Wilson and Ruth Derr in December 24, 1955. She was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, Ruth and Wilson Derr, her biological siblings, Linda Napier and Robert Croft. She is survived by siblings, Darlene Morse and Dale Derr, sons, Douglas Lee Hodge (Nancy) and Lloyd James Hodge (Karin) as well Grandsons Alexander Lee Hodge (Courtney) and Austin Michael Hodge as well as twin great-grandsons, Gavin Cole and Hunter Lee. A lifelong overachiever, Peggy earned her brown belt in Judo, became a US Olympic representative to Japan in 1964, in Track and Field and cycling. Due to a bleeding disorder and staff infection, she was not able to compete. By the age of 13 she managed a small grocery store. She and her husband lead youth ministries at Saint Petersburg Nazarene church in St Petersburg, Florida and Chapman Memorial Church in Toledo, Ohio. At the age of 24 on January 24, 1977, she was well on her way to fulfilling her career dreams when tragedy struck in a freak accident, slipping on ice she fractured her neck, leaving her confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Even though her entire world turned upside down through her physical limitations, her spiritual life began to flourish beyond measure. Having accepted Jesus as her savior at an early age, her walk with him grew every day of her life. Peggy loved traveling and seeing God’s creation, she lived to serve others, and most importantly serving her Lord. She loved people, and in spite of her self-admitted shyness, she loved talking to people, sharing a meal with friends and family, and building relationships. People have often mentioned seeing her before accident, with her two young sons each tucked under one of her arms, taking food to the sick, cleaning their houses and ministering to their needs. She had a heart for others and often wondered why God limited her with disabilities. Peggy was never afraid to venture out if others were willing to assist (on two different occasions, while boating, she was almost dropped into the water). She loved reading or listening to book tapes about God's word. Peggy taught a very large adult Sunday School class, led a women’s ministry, led a women's Bible study group, and even spent time in public speaking giving her testimony. She worked at Bayfront Hospital in the Chaplain program, co-hosted a radio broadcast and worked in helping Veterans, providing them housing. The most important thing in Peggy’s life was that people knew Jesus and had the assurance that they had confessed their sins, turned from their old ways, and accepted Jesus as their Savior. In the last few months in the hospital she would ask those who tended to her if they knew Jesus and had the hope of going to Heaven to live for all eternity with God. She learned that our eternal life was so much more important than the sum of this earthly life. Peggy Hodge was an amazing woman and made a positive and profound impact on everyone she met, even contemplating running for public office because of her passion to make a difference in her community. Thank you Peggy, for the legacy you left behind. You are now flying on wings like eagles! Celebration of life will be Friday, July 29th, 2:00pm Park Place Church, 4400 70th Ave N. Pinellas Park, FL

Peggy Lee Hodge

June 8, 1953 - July 24, 2022