Leona Hodges

Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me. A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, Leona, a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, was born on Oct. 28, 1926 and went to heaven on Dec. 11, 2015 at the age of 89. She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie E. and Leona Gautreaux Westbrook; brothers Johnnie Jr., Eugene and Tyrus Westbrook; and a grandson, James D. Hodges Jr. Those remaining to cherish her memory are her four sons and their wives, James and Arlene of Monroe, GA, Terry and Judy of Lafayette, Brent and Debby of DeRidder, and Joel and Cathy of Signal Mtn., TN.; her grandchildren, Shannon, Jennifer, Stephen, Julie, Randi, Kyle and Brian; as well as her great grandchildren, Hunter, Jackson, Jack, Charlie, Gage, Josephine, Emma, Cline, Ewan, Aaron, Ryleigh, Riley, Greyer, and Lila. Also left with lasting memories are her nieces and nephews as well as her many friends.

Leona loved spending time with her family and friends, taking special delight in the times spent with her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. To her family she was lovingly known as "MiMi".

She worked for the State of Louisiana for 32 years, retiring in June of 1983 from The Dept. of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, as Executive Assistant to The Commissioner of Conservation. In July of 1983 until June 1993 she worked for the law firm of Broadhurst, Brook, Mangham and Hardy in their Baton Rouge office.

Leona was a 1943 graduate of Istrouma High School where she was a member of the band. She loved music and for a number of years sang in the choir at Istrouma Baptist Church where she was a member. During her 61 years at Istrouma she was active in youth programs, teaching Sunday School and supporting her four sons and their friends. Later she joined the "Keenagers", was a member of the WMU, and remained active in Sunday School and church functions. She loved working crossword puzzles and was a loyal sports fan her whole life, especially of the Istrouma High School Indians, where her four sons also graduated, and of course the LSU Tigers.

Somehow she found the time to attend what seemed like every event her four sons were involved in. She was very proud of each of them and at times resorted to calling them No.l, No. 2, No.3 and No. 4 when someone would ask, "which one are you bragging on now?"

Every Christmas season found Leona in the kitchen baking sourdough and Amish bread, making cookies and candy to share with those who were fortunate enough to be on her goodie list.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Rhebe and Richard Conrad, her niece and nephew, who, as she stated " took real good care of me", after her sons all moved away from Baton Rouge, also to Tena and T.W. Elkins, lifelong friends, and to Mrs. Daisy LeBlanc, mom's travelling partner on church trips and cohort attending LSU football and basketball games, not to mention pre-game and post-game tailgates. Additional thank yous are offered to Susan Fauchaux, L.A.Landry, and her Sunday School class. We are also thankful to and appreciative of Dawn and Wayne Hall for providing mom with so much, and Rachel Kelley, Kayla Slaydon, and Emilee Kelley, mom's most loving and attentive caregivers during her time in DeRidder, as well as Casandra Jett, Mom's hospice nurse.

Visitation will be at Resthaven Gardens of Memory and Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy. on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 from 6pm to 9 pm, and on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015 at 10:00 am. Services will follow at 11:00 am, conducted by Dr. Jeff Ginn, pastor of Istrouma Baptist Church, and Rev. Ron Lambe. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

Pall bearers will be, James, Terry, Brent, Joel, Stephen, Kyle and Brian Hodges. Flowers are appreciated but if you choose, donations to the Istrouma Baptist Church, St. Jude Children's Hospital or the charity of your choice may be made in honor of Leona.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Thursday, December 17, 2015
10:00 am - 11:00 am

Service

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Thursday, December 17, 2015
11:00 am

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816