The names of the late Mrs. Eudora Hughes of Sandy Ground, and Ms. Valarie Hodge of North Side, will remain in the minds and hearts of many persons of varying ages, in Anguilla, for a long time.
Apart from being well-respected educators, with a considerable span of years between them, they were diverse in other ways of contribution to their homeland and the population of Anguilla.
Mrs. Hughes moved up in the teaching profession in Anguilla, over the years, becoming the Principal of the Adrian T. Hazell Primary School, at the corner of South Hill and Blowing Point, and the Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School in West End. In addition to teaching, she was widely known for her outstanding contribution to music education. For many years, she conducted private music lessons and is responsible for a number of accomplished piano and organ players in church and community. She was a longstanding organist at Bethel Methodist Church where, at many events, she led the Augmented Senior Choir in the presentation of some of the best known hymn compositions of recorded Methodist history.
In November 2014, at a powerfully-rendered concert – in her honour – entitled “Walk by Faith”, she was recognised for her contribution to the Methodist Church and for the mentoring of a number of its musicians. Participating in that concert were such well-known musicians as Ms. Lois Hazell; Mr. Lennox Vanterpool, Director of the St. Augustine’s Chorale – and Mr Remieko Richards; Devaunie Richardson; Elson Richardson; Joshua Gumbs; Kenval Gumbs; Lucien (Tony) Fleming; Naique Davis and Theron Niles.
In a feature article entitled “Reflections of Eudora Hughes”, written by Mrs. Yolande Richardson, she was described as “a great organist and choir director who will always be remembered with affection.
Mrs. Richardson continued: “In the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, the peak years of her music ministry, Dora used her musical talents and gifts in the service of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is Dora’s great humanity, her great humility, and her love of her God and her church, that made her the extraordinary person that she is.”
Mrs. Hughes, a stern disciplinarian, but a very jovial and humour-loving person, passed away on February 1, 2021.
The other late educator, Ms. Valarie Hodge, served as a Graduate Teacher at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School from 2000 to 2006 after beginning her teaching career earlier at other schools. Between 2007 and 2009 she worked at the Department of Public Administration. Her last appointment there, up to her retirement, was Deputy Director, Manpower Planning.
Ms. Hodge, known for her quick laughter and friendly personality, was a founding member of the Anguilla Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre where she played a leading role in all of its varied cultural performances. She was an avid sports enthusiast and would have been an active supporter of this week’s Sports Day events of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School.
She passed away on February 18, 2021, and is being celebrated by the teachers’ fraternity in particular.
The Anguillian newspaper extends its condolences to the bereaved families of Mrs. Eudora Hughes and Ms. Valarie Hodge. May they rest in peace.
