Linda (Schwaab) Hodges

Linda Schwaab Hodges, 83, of Kinston passed away Friday, March 20th, 2026. She was born in Baltimore, MD to Donald and Leila Schwaab. She attended Roland Park Country School before attending Sweet Briar College, where she graduated with a degree in Art History.

Linda met James Hodges in 1965 at a college roommate’s wedding. His dreams of building a home on a farm and raising kids and animals delighted her, and the two were married in 1966. 
 

Linda considered herself incredibly fortunate to do work she deeply enjoyed with people she loved: teaching 4-year-olds at St. Mary’s Nursery School, donning legwarmers as an aerobics instructor at The Galaxy of Sports, and boarding dogs on the farm she called home. Her passion for the arts and animals was evidenced by her staggering volunteer commitment. She was involved in the Kinston Community Council for the Arts for decades in various roles from art class teacher to volunteer receptionist. She spent thousands of hours volunteering with the SPCA, fostering dogs and cats, transporting dogs to VA, and eventually adopting over 12 dogs and cats to live with her on the farm. Linda enjoyed many hobbies, including teaching belly dancing, knitting, macrame, and travel. Her adventurous spirit and love for animals and travel led her all over the world: to Canada to see polar bears, Borneo for orangutans and Antarctica for penguins.

Linda was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, devoting her time and energy to serving in the choir, deacon board and session. In later years she relished the community of Gordon Street Christian Church and their engaging spiritual discussions.
 

Linda will always be remembered for her dazzling smile and deep love for God’s creation. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. 

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, James A. Hodges, Jr.; sibling, Donna Lee Frisch; and, son, Joshua Hodges.  She is survived by her son, Dr. Marcus Hodges, and wife Karen; daughter, Rebecca Swindell, and husband Frank; daughter, Samantha Vermillion, and husband Scott; six grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 5 grand-dogs; and 2 grand-cats.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Kinston First Original Free Will Baptist Church on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. The family invites you to honor Linda’s memory with a donation to the Lenoir County SPCA or the Community Council for the Arts.