Daria Hodge

COLUMBUS - Daria Lynn Hodge, 74, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away at home on July 14, 2022. Born July 10, 1948 in Columbus, Ohio, she is predeceased by her parents, Arthur T. Hodge and Ruth Diggs Hodge.

Daria (affectionately known as “Big Daria” by her family) was a graduate of East High School and Central State University. She earned a Master of Education from Atlanta University and a Juris Doctorate from Woodrow Wilson College of Law in Atlanta, Georgia.

A passionate advocate of early childhood education, Ms. Hodge started her career as a teacher in the Columbus Public Schools at Ohio Avenue Elementary School. In 1973, she was the director of the East Central Citizens Organization Day Care Center (ECCO) in Columbus, Ohio. As the director of ECCO, she worked extensively with three to five year old children. Under her direction, she instituted a special reading program called, “Distar,” that was trademarked by Science Research Associates. This innovative approach to reading instruction utilized phonetics to maximize a child’s reading skills and ensure academic success. As a result, Daria was selected as one of ten Outstanding Young Women of America for 1973 in recognition of her ability, accomplishments and service to the community. She was invited to be a guest lecturer before a doctoral class on School Problems and Child Development at The Ohio State University. Ms. Hodge’s commitment to education extended beyond her hometown of Columbus, Ohio as she later served as Director of Minority Affairs at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Returning to her roots of elementary education, she retired as an educator with Fulton County school system in Atlanta.

Daria played a loving and supportive role as aunt to her niece and namesake, “Little Daria,” and her nephew, Adam. As an aunt, she was generous, loving and kind.

Ms. Hodge was a two-time breast cancer survivor. Her diagnosis did not dim her zest for life. She enjoyed movies and traveling with her family. Some of her adventures took her to Cuba, the Caribbean and Europe. She especially enjoyed cruises and swimming. Daria spoke fluent Spanish, was a history buff and an avid fan of game shows. Her knowledge of trivia and facts were unparalleled.

She is survived by her devoted sister Beverly Hodge, her brother Anthony Hodge, her niece Daria Ibn-tamas, nephew Adam Ibn-tamas and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 22, 2022 from 1PM to 2PM in the chapel of Diehl-whittaker Funeral Service, 720 E. Long Street, Columbus, OH 43203. Funeral will be held at 2PM. Interment Green Lawn Cemetery. Visit Daria’s tribute wall at www.diehl-whittaker.com