Cleone Hodges

celebrates 100
By Scott Nicholson

She doesn’t walk the greens or shoot hoops much these days, but Cleone Hodges is rolling up on the century mark as a living legend.

Hodges is celebrating her 100th birthday with family on July 11. The Louisiana native is the daughter of Oscar and Lynn Haynes and achieved early athletic success as a collegiate basketball player, where she once competed against famed athlete Babe Didrikson. She came to Boone to teach at Appalachian State Teachers College in 1938, assisting with the basketball team and teaching physical education and health.

Hodges also made her mark on local golf course, achieving three different hole-in-ones, the last at age 93.

She won regional championships in 1968, 1975, 1979 and 1984. She has won 12 gold medals in the High Country Senior Games and eight gold medals at the state level. Nationally, she has won three gold medals and two silver medals in seniors competition.

Hodges served 23 years as secretary for the local parks and recreation department and is active in the Rhododendron Garden Club and Boone First Baptist Church. Hodges was inducted into the Watauga County Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

On Thursday, July 9, there will be an informal get-together at the Boone Gold Club restaurant. Anyone is welcome to come by and say hello between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The family will hold a private party on July 11. Hodges has a son J.B., grandchildren Erin and Alyssa, and great-grandchildren Colin and Evelyn.