Samantha Mahogany Hodge

Samantha Mahogany Hodge, with her bright smile and courageous spirit, transitioned to her eternal home, into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father, on Monday, December 19, 2022.

Samantha was 19 years old. She was born January 24, 2003, in Columbus, Ohio. Samantha was the only child from the union of Samuel and Jennifer. She was a mother’s girl, the youngest grandchild, and a loyal and loving friend. From the beginning, Samantha left a lasting mark on whomever was fortunate enough to meet her. She is fondly remembered for never meeting a stranger, going out of her way to greet people at church or anywhere, loving her North Carolina family, being the “Dancing Queen,” being the youngest praise runner at church, and having a smile that could brighten any room.

In her short life, Samantha had many loves. Her first love was God and her church family. She was a devoted member of Rhema Christian Center, where she was baptized on December 9, 2012, graduated from New Generation (Rhema’s youth ministry), and served as a liturgical dancer, mime, and actor. She was “Rhema’s Samantha,” known and beloved by everyone throughout the church, volunteering for Such is the Kingdom Special Needs Ministry, Vacation Bible School, and street outreach and community block parties.

Her second love was her parents. The child Jennifer always wanted, and the only child born to Jennifer, Samantha grew up holding tightly to her mother’s side and traveled with her on many adventures. Samantha loved her father dearly and was very protective of him and understood him better than anyone else and thought he was the best father ever. Her third love was being active and making a difference. Samantha canvassed, attended local community organizing events, and met with local politicians to hear their positions and share her concerns. She was a member of Black Girl Rising Inc. and attended workshops on Black girl empowerment and advocacy. Samantha was also a camp counselor at two.fifty.four Youth Center and worked as a childcare substitute teacher for several childcare facilities. Lastly, Samantha loved to sing, dance, and engage on social media. She would spend hours dancing and singing on social media, at home alone, at birthday parties, or during dance productions in the city of Columbus.

Samantha graduated from Gahanna Lincoln High School in 2021. She was a member of God Talk, “S” Club, Diaspora Black History Program, recipient of the Cindy Hernodon Scholarship, and Senior Prom Court.

She is preceded in death by maternal grandfather Mark Faison; paternal grandmother Laura Brayboy Hodge-Henley; and aunts Thressia McDuffie and Janie Bryant.

She is survived by father Samuel Hodge and mother Jennifer Faison Kelly (Anthony); brothers Anthony R. Hodge (Candy) and Tremaine S. Hodge; sister NaKysha De’-Ja Hodge; grandmother Katie Faison; aunts Shirley Daniels, Barbara Sansbury (Walter “Rock”), Suzette Faison Deal, and Juliet Faison Miller (Alfonso); uncles -Willie B. Faison (Wanda) and Thomas Faison (Mona); great aunts Rose Hardy, Sarah Walker, Elizabeth Faison, and special great aunt Rachel Hardy Epps (Leon); great-great aunt Regina Williams Kenan; great-great uncle Lewis Williams; nephews and nieces Gabriel F. Hodge, Tremaine S. Hodge, Jr., Trinity Azarie Hodge, Zephania T. Hodge, Destinee P. Turnbo, and Samiyyah A. Smith; godfather Maurice L. Young; two special aunts Cheryl Sims (George) and Tammy Smith (Don); one special little cousin Dillion McMahan; a host of cousins, friends, church family members; and the Capital Fam and The Ohio State University community.

Visitation 5pm and Memorial Service 6pm Tuesday January 24, 2023 at Rhema Christian Center 2100 Agler Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43224