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Juanita (more fondly known as “Pete” or “Nita”) Hodges, 88, of Starkville, MS, joined her Heavenly Father on February 4, 2024. She was born on June 10, 1935, in Memphis, TN, to the late Edna and Claud DeMoney.

Nita was a beautiful, kind, and generous soul who loved so very BIG! Despite her small stature, she possessed a mighty spirit. Whether she was affectionately called Nita, Mama Nita, Pete, Mama Pete, Aunt Pete, and Sweet Pea to friends and extended family, she touched the lives of countless individuals with her warmth and love. She enjoyed attending and singing in church and teaching Sunday School for many years. She loved her family, children, music, cooking and “back in the day” enjoyed wearing miniskirts! For anyone who knew Nita, they also knew how much she loved “BUTTERFLIES!” And never to be forgotten, were the numerous beloved dogs in her care, who demonstrated much love and devotion throughout her life.

Juanita was preceded in death by her former and loving husbands, Jay McKinney, and Herbert Hodges; her daughter, Judy Case; her brothers, Jimmie DeMoney, Ernest DeMoney and Paul DeMoney, and her sisters Betty Ellis and Mary Jane Ferretti; and sister-in-law Rosie DeMoney.

Juanita is survived by her daughters Tami (Carl) Brooks of Starkville, Amy Champion of Starkville, and sons, Randy McKinney of Ocean Springs and Jay McKinney of Juliaetta, Idaho; daughters-in-law Marsha McKinney of Gluckstadt and Carla Hayward of Brandon; brothers, Jack (Rhonda) DeMoney of Madison, and Bobby ( Vickie) DeMoney of Madison; her sister, Annie Laura Hughes of Madison; sister-in-law Sheila (Billy) Hines of Ridgeland and brother-in-law Tulio Ferretti of Jackson; her grandsons Sam (fiancée Hana) Brooks of Brandon, Max Brooks of Starkville, Jude Champion of Starkville, Brewer (Alisha) McKinney of Brandon, Bob (Susan) Brewer of Gluckstadt, and Yancy (Tonia) Brewer of Pearl; granddaughter Kaily(Ben) Coleman of Brandon; great-grandson, Drayson Dalzell of Brandon; great-granddaughters, Sara Rose Coleman and Lila McKinney, both of Brandon; and many nieces and nephews as well as her extended Hodges family. She also leaves behind her beloved life-long friend, Mark Case, and her very special caregiver and friend, Alicia (Ty) Boyd Coleman and Baxter, her devoted dog.

In her educational journey, Juanita attended Shaw High School and later pursued additional education in Technical School. Juanita had a remarkable career as an administrative secretary, spanning over 50 years. She worked in the construction and music industries prior to joining the staff of University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). Juanita loved her work, especially at UMMC, and longed to continue working even after being forced to retire due to health complications.

In memory of Juanita Hodges, contributions can be made to any of the following organizations: Starkville Strong, Children’s Foundation of Mississippi, UMMC Friends of Children's Hospital or the Oktibbeha County Humane Society. These organizations reflect her passion for helping others and her love for animals.

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS, with the funeral service immediately following in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Memorial Garden Park Cemetery in Starkville.