Janie M. Stephens Hodges was born on April 9, 1948, to Mr. O.D. Stephens and Mrs. Alice Williams Stephens. She was one of eight daughters.  Janie received her education from Ruffin High School and University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie.

Janie gave her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Deep Creek Baptist Church in Islandton, South Carolina. Upon marriage to the love of her life, James L. Hodges, she joined Springtown United Methodist Church in Smoaks, South Carolina. Janie loved serving The Lord through song and service as a member of the Springtown Young Adult Choir, Greeters Ministry, Kitchen Committee, Food Bank and United Methodist Women. She simultaneously reared five beautiful children while working tirelessly alongside her loving husband, James, for thirty years at Cash Discount Drug Store in St. George, South Carolina. Janie served as the pillar of strength for her family.

She leaves to cherish a lifetime of precious memories, her loving and devoted husband of 52 years, Mr. James L. Hodges; five children, Jona' L. Hodges, Jametta Hodges- Stewart (Gregory), James W. Hodges, Joel E. Hodges, and Justin P. Hodges (Brittany); eleven grandchildren, Julian Syphertt,, JeVaughn Syphertt, Ryan Stewart, Gage Stewart, Jazmin Hodges, JaAhna Hodges, Jael Hodges, Jayden Hodges, Jules Hodges, Aniyah Hodges, and Sevyn Hodges; Six sisters, Eva Capers (Clyde), Pauline McQuire (Elmer), Catherine McQuire, Margaret Manigo (Donnell), Amanda Capers (Paul), and Mary A. Buckner and a host of cousins and friends.