‘Helper to others’: Former pastor remembers victim killed in Wyoming plane crash
Melodi Hodges was among the seven killed in a plane crash in Wyoming Friday. Her former pastor says she faithfully served at Pleasant Garden Baptist Church for over 20 years.
PLEASANT GARDEN, N.C. —
Michael Barrett, director of missions for the Piedmont Baptist Association, says he was Melodi Hodges’ pastor at Pleasant Garden Baptist Church for over 20 years. From the moment she walked through the doors, she got involved.
“Probably the main characteristic about her life, she was a helper to others. Great smile, loved people, loved Jesus,” Barrett said. “She again went on a mission trip, to use her talents and used her talents in a wonderful way, she was our interpreter.”
Barrett says Hodges moved to Atlanta during the pandemic to work with family gospel group, “The Nelons.”
His daughter used to work with Hodges. She ended up breaking the news to him about the deadly crash on Friday.
“These things happen, and you hear of them, but when they come close to home, and they claim the life of a person who was part of your life and your journey, and blessed you and encouraged you, it really hits home, and it hard,” Barrett said.
According to a statement from the Gaither Management Group, the plane was headed to a cruise in Alaska at the time. Three members of ‘The Nelons’ and four others, including Hodges, were killed.
Barrett says he will always honor her devotion to God and her love of helping those in need.
“One of the stories I heard just yesterday, was she took some ice cream to a lady that was going through a hard time. And her and her friend took some popsicle sticks,” Barrett said. “And the lady loved ice scream, but she said what was the popsicle sticks for? [Hodges] said we know you were going through a hard time we’re going to build a bridge and help you get over it. And that’s what her life was.”
The National Transportation Safety Bard is investigating the crash. A spokesperson with the NTSB said preliminary information shows there was an autopilot issue during the flight.
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