Remembering Beth Hodges

BY LINDA PRINCIPE

Beth Hodges—drapery fabricator, educator, speaker, trainer, installer and window covering industry icon—passed away on April 26. Beth was born in Augusta, GA, on January 14, 1949. She worked at Southern Bell for 13 years before moving to Elberton with her husband, the Hon. Thomas L. Hodges,

III. She was an active member of many civic organizations in Elberton, but when her twins were born, she took a break to care for her growing family.

During this time, Beth learned to sew. She began a small business making window treatments, working alone and at home in what spare time she could find between children’s activities. As the children got older, the business grew also, and Beth took opportunities to learn her trade by attending classes offered at trade shows around the country. Eventually, she qualified for every certification in the window covering industry and became a champion for education. Through a chance meeting, she met Cheryl Strickland, who was establishing a school to train others about window coverings. Cheryl hired Beth as an instructor. Beth continued to work as a lead teacher for 17 years in addition to growing her business in Elberton. She taught classes across the country for many years. In 2014, Beth was named the education director for DöFix USA and traveled all over, presenting seminars and doing private training for the German company.

Beth was a longtime member of the board of directors of the Window Coverings Association of America and its president for two terms. She continued to present seminars at international events, trade shows, trade schools and universities throughout her working life.

Beth was a loving wife, mother of five and grandmother of 11. In addition to her designers and clients, Beth cherished the ladies who worked for her. View heartfelt reflections from some of the industry professionals who were impacted by Beth’s skills and friendship at wf-vision.com. V