Methyl Patterson Hodges, 88, passed away on June 30, 2014 at OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville, MS. She taught mathematics for a total of 42 years, retiring from Starkville High School after 35 years. She was a graduate of Wood Jr. College and received her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Mississippi State University. She was named Mississippi Teacher of the Year in 1970. She continued to tutor until just a year ago. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Starkville, MS, where she was a charter member of the Savage Bible class. She was also an avid Mississippi State University sports fan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Artileen Patterson; her husband, Lethal Hodges; sisters, Marjorie Sanders and Jane Gregory; and brothers, L. T. Patterson, Raymond Patterson, Lynn Patterson and Kenneth Patterson.

She is survived by her daughter, Julia Hodges of Starkville, MS; sister, Donna Murphy of Pontotoc, MS; brothers, Max Patterson and Doug Patterson, both of Pontotoc, MS; and 25 nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Mrs. Hodges is scheduled for Tuesday, July 1, 2014 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS and then on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, with the funeral service immediately following in the church sanctuary. Burial will be in Memorial Garden Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, Starkville, MS.