Mardula Belle Hodges

Mardula Belle Hodges passed away peacefully in her daughter's home in Encinitas, California, surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, December 15, 2025. She was born on March 6, 1940, in Plainview, Texas, to Alonzo Price and Sadie Mae McWilliams (Perry). Mardula graduated from Plainview High School in 1958 and studied at West Texas State University. On July 5, 1958, Mardula married her life-long sweetheart, Jerry Mack Hodges. Together, they had three daughters: Margie, Georgia, and Amy. Mardula and Jerry built a beautiful life together in Plainview, raising their daughters with love and laughter. They embraced every moment, spending countless days at Lake Conchas fishing, snow skiing at Ruidoso, New Mexico, and exploring Europe. Mardula was the essence of creativity and hospitality, a true homemaker with vision, long before Martha Stewart became a household name. She transformed her attic into a stunning workshop and design studio, a space that reflected her boundless imagination. Her home was a haven of warmth and celebration, where unforgettable parties came to life and doors were always open to friends, teenagers, and anyone in need of love and belonging. As their daughters grew, she welcomed new members into the family with open arms: sons-in-law Kevin Cullen, Walter Gregory, and James McGowan. Mardula treated each one as her own, wrapping them in her boundless love. Her joy multiplied as grandchildren arrived: Sadie Gregory (28), Soren Gregory (26), Zoe McGowan (25), and Keegan McGowan (21). While Mardula adored birds, interior design, all things blingy, Willie Nelson, and the great state of Texas, her heart belonged most to the people around her. She was passionate about relationships, loved to laugh, and had a gift for listening. Her laughter lit every room, and her presence made everyone feel valued and special. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Mardula's life will be honored at a celebration of life service on a date in the new year. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the following:
In Mardula's name:
National Audubon Society
https://www.audubon.org/
In Jerry's name:
The Dementia Society
www.dementiasociety.org
or in her little brother's name (Perry McWilliams) to:
Alzheimer's Association
https://www.alz.org/