Vallie Hodges passed away September 6, 1985

Articles have been edited by Suzanne Forte to avoid mention of living individuals.

Mrs. Vallie Stynchcombe Hodges is truly a legend in Loganville. "Vallie", as she is affectionately called by her many friends, taught school for 38 years in Loganville prior to her retirement in 1962.

"Actually, I didn’t retire until 1972 because I substituted for ten years after they said I retired", laughs Vallie who looks remarkably young.

Mrs. Hodges, originally from Athens, graduated from the old Athens High School in 1916, but was unable to attend the University of Georgia because, "it wasn’t coeducational then". She attended the state normal school for girls and graduated in 1918. "The degree enabled me to teach any subject, any grade, and any field", she remarked.

Her first job in education was at the age of 19 when she was principal of a ten room school in Morgan County before coming to Loganville because "an uncle of mine in Monroe said Loganville was a nice town."

"Why I practically taught everyone in Loganville. When I taught in 1962 I was teaching the second generation, and when substituting in the 1970’s I taught the third generation".

"I did take time out, though, in those 38 years to have two children, and I have five grandchildren and four great grand children who are my pride and joy", she beams.

Mrs. Hodges, who lives next door to the old gym, has lived in her present home 31 years. Her husband died about 18 years ago, and "I just kept busy teaching".

Vallie is generally regarded as the author of the Loganville High School alma mater.

"Actually, she says, "it was written by Mason Williams, a former county school superintendent. Most people think I write it because I wrote all the senior songs and played for graduation for years".

"I played the piano at Loganville Christian Church for over 40 years until my eyesight got bad."

"When I came to Loganville in 1920 there was a picture show, five doctors, one dentist and two banks. Before the roads were paved this was the center of this area. "But," she says, "that was a long time ago, and now I like to rest and hoe in my yard because nobody else can keep it looking right".

After 38 years teaching and ten years substituting, "Vallie" has earned the right to do things she never had time to do while she was teaching.