Donna Hodges-Gerhart
Donna Beth Hodges-Gerhart
May 16, 1960 – January 29, 2026
Donna Beth Hodges-Gerhart, age 65, was called home to the Lord on January 29, 2026. Born on May 16, 1960, Donna was the beloved daughter of Wilbur Leo Hodges and Marlene Constance Lechert. She lived a life marked by deep faith, joyful connection, and a love that extended effortlessly to everyone she met.
Donna never knew a stranger. Her presence filled a room, often announced by her big, unmistakable laugh and her warm, cheerful spirit. Strong, resilient, determined, and endlessly caring, she was the kind of woman who made others feel seen, welcomed, and loved. Multiple cups of coffee a day fueled conversations that could turn strangers into friends and friends into family.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted Catholic and a true daughter of Christ, Donna loved Jesus wholeheartedly and lived her faith through service, compassion, and generosity. She volunteered tirelessly, especially with children, always drawn to roles where she could nurture, encourage, and give of herself freely.
Donna was deeply creative, with a love for art and interior design that reflected her eye for beauty and her desire to make spaces feel like home. Gift-giving was one of her greatest joys—shopping for others was her love language, and she delighted in finding the perfect thing that would make someone feel cherished.
She was also the ultimate dog lover, with a special place in her heart for rescue dogs, offering them the same unconditional love she gave so naturally to people.
Of all her roles, Donna treasured being a mom, wife, and grandmother most. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Kenneth T. Gerhart, and a loving, steadfast mother to her daughter, Elizabeth R. Clayton and her husband, Daniel Clayton, and her son, Samuel L. Gerhart and his wife, Lauren. Becoming a grandmother to Grady Gerhart was one of the greatest joys of her life—she embraced that role with boundless enthusiasm and pride.
Donna is also survived by her brother, Douglas Hodges and his wife, Tracy; her late sister, Cheryl Harmon; her nieces, Keri Whye and her husband, Anthony, and Amanda Degges and her husband, Don; and her beloved great-nieces and great-nephews, Jordon, Devon, Olivia, Haley, and Jacob, as well as Seana and her son, Elijah. She is further survived by many dear friends from every season of her life—relationships she cherished deeply and faithfully maintained throughout the years.
Donna’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith in action. She loved boldly, laughed loudly, gave generously, and trusted God completely. Though deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the love she leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Donna’s name to Hospice of the Piedmont or Victory 127, organizations that reflect her compassion, faith, and heart for others.
Hospice of the Piedmont:
https://hopva.org/donate-online-now/
Victory 127:
https://v127.org/give/
