Denise Hodges Daniels

Denise Daniels Hodges was born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 20, 1953, to the late X.E. Hodges and the late Edna Mae Brown. From an early age, Denise carried a quiet strength, warmth, and grace that would become the foundation of a life devoted to family, education, and service to others.

Denise spent her early childhood in Brooklyn before her family relocated to Long Island, where she graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1971. She continued her educational journey at Baruch College in Manhattan, reflecting the love of learning and determination that remained with her throughout her life. In her youth, Denise loved playing handball and riding her bike around the neighborhood, simple joys that reflected her energetic spirit and love of life.

While living in New York, Denise worked in the legal division of the New York City Police Department. In 1973, she met the love of her life, Thomas, a New York City Police Officer. Their love story led to marriage on December 2, 1978, and together they built a beautiful life grounded in devotion, partnership, and family. After moving to Atlanta, Georgia, they welcomed two children, Creighton and Katrina.

After dedicating herself to motherhood, Denise returned to her professional career and became a respected leader in higher education. She worked at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in the Office of Information Technology before serving as the Academic Enhancement Coordinator at Georgia Gwinnett College. One of her proudest accomplishments was helping grow student enrollment from just over 2,000 students to approximately 8,000 by the time she retired. Denise also developed meaningful connections with faculty and staff at every level of the institution, from the college president to colleagues and students across campus. Denise was deeply admired for her wisdom, patience, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student she encountered. 

More than any title or accomplishment, Denise treasured her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, caring sister, and loyal friend. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, encouragement, and unconditional love. She had a gift for listening without judgment and offering thoughtful advice that brought peace and clarity to those around her. Whether someone needed guidance, comfort, or simply a kind word, Denise was always there.

Denise found joy in life’s special moments and simple pleasures. She loved traveling, especially cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska, and she held fond memories of her trip to China. She looked forward each year to family vacations in Myrtle Beach and cherished visits to Disney World with loved ones. Although she was always open to trying new cuisines, anyone who truly knew Denise knew she would happily choose a Whopper or a hot dog before just about anything else. Music filled her heart, especially “Reasons” by Earth, Wind & Fire and the timeless songs of Luther Vandross. She also enjoyed classic television shows, Western movies, and reading both fiction and nonfiction. Her beautiful sense of humor and gentle spirit brought light to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Denise leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of 48 years, Thomas; her son, Creighton; her daughter, Katrina; her stepsons, Randall and Eric; her stepdaughter, Annette; her grandson, Jayson; her granddaughter, Zoë; her brothers, Jimmy and John; and her sisters, Edwina and Joann. She is also lovingly remembered by her daughter-in-law, Janice; her daughter-in-law, Audrey; her sons-in-law, Jeremy and Timothy; along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, dear friends, and colleagues whose lives she touched in countless ways.

Denise’s life was a beautiful example of love, resilience, compassion, and quiet strength. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts, memories, and lives of all who were blessed to know and love her.

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