Upon reading about the death of Courtney Hodges, a former SCHS student and teacher who played on the girls’ basketball team, I couldn’t help but feel a sudden heaviness. It was none of my business to know her personally. So many people talked about how much she meant to them, even before she died on Sunday after a long illness, and the community has been engaging about what she meant to them since that time.
During their recent school activities, SCHS took a moment to remember her, spoke of her journey from student to teacher at that same school, and talked about when she graduated in 2008, only to come back to teach the next scholars. I always find that kind of awesome when some people would come back to their old school to be teachers because it tells how connected they felt to that place.
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Everyone who knew her attests that she had this determination in whatever she did. She took with her the fervor once exhibited on the basketball court into her classroom. As one who is also into sports in school, I understand how tough it is to keep that spirit at that level in ordinary life. It sounds like she really could do so in a natural way.
Her colleagues and former students attested that she was the kind of person who left warm, fuzzy impressions across the board. They told stories of her kindness and her attempts to make people feel supported. I had a teacher like that, and really, those kinds of teachers always stick in your mind even after years of leaving.
Soon after the announcement of her death, there have been tributes all over social media, especially among her old classmates and students. A certain student named Amanda Sue Little said she was shocked that her teacher in SCHS was no more. In addition, she asked people to pray for the family. Reading about such things says a lot about how close people felt to her.
Others shared memories from childhood. Marie Al said middle school and high school were spent with her, and according to her, Courtney was the kindest woman she knew, adding that the news hurt her heart. It made me think about how losing someone from your school days never feels easy.
Courtney’s teammate reported that she was a very strong competitor by all standards. She said matches played with her while playing softball and basketball were always tough. She also sent prayers for the family. Even more people continued to write. Eric Skelton described her as a super sweet person. Kathy Johnson sent love to her family. Sheri Lawing addressed his message in a heartfelt manner, saying Love my little Courtney and sent hugs to her family. Others like Natalie Coyne, Jill Wooldridge, Laurie Spotloe Murphy, and Susan Flemming also shared simple emotional messages.
All messages followed a similar theme. Many people were deeply touched by Courtney Hodges at different levels in her life. Everyone who met her would relive parts of her compassion, strength, and dedication, even though she is no longer here. However, her legacy will go on.
The school community, friends, and family will be smiling at the pictures in memory of her. They all remember her solely for the energy that she brought onto the basketball court and her level of patience in the classroom. And even though I never got to meet her, reading all these experiences and views discloses that she must have been someone who always tried her best for everyone she came across.
