By: Kaycie Kile
WPJ Reporter
Alma Davis Hobdy spent her last day, Sunday, June 19th, 2022, in the sun’s warmth, surrounded by her adoring family, singing along to her favorite song, “His Old Lady,” by American blues singer and guitarist Little Milton. It was a lifelong favorite, so much so that her family took the initiative for her eighty-fourth birthday and hired the professional singer and friend, Willie Clayton, to perform all of Milton’s hits in her honor. She sat on that stage and sang along, word for word, creating what’s now one of her family’s fondest memories of her person. You never know the value of such moments until you recall them as a memory; After hearing of Miss Alma’s life and achievements, I now know just how rich a woman she was.
Mrs.Hobdy, a graduate with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s under her belt, gave over twenty-five years of her life to enriching students as a business teacher for both Pinecrest and Winnfield High Schools. Children were her passion, and she continuously strove to positively affect their instruction and physical welfare in and out of the classroom. Even in retirement, her hand wasn’t far from education or matters of the community’s well-being. She worked for the Winn Parish District Attorney’s Office, the Winn Parish Registrar of Voters; as well as served on the Board of Directors for the Louisiana School of Math, Science and the Arts at Northern University (Natchitoches, LA) and the Board of directors for the Winn Community Health Center.
Admired as a woman of style and elegant dress, Alma hardly left home with a hair out of place. She was confident and self-assured, never remiss in sharing her open and honest opinion when moved to it. She was a loyal Golden State Warriors fan, seldom missing the opportunity to tune in for a good game or a glimpse of Steph Curry. Alma held fast to her faith and was a devoted Oak Ridge Baptist Church member. She served as the Youth and Senior Choir director, a deaconess, and treasurer. She held her pastor LaRon Winslow in great esteem and will undoubtedly be missed by her church family.
She is preceded in death by her dear husband, David James Hobdy, Sr. Daughter, Shuntale Hobdy. Parents, Govie Davis and Lucinda Davis Johnston. Siblings Ethel Dorsey, Lewis Davis, Jasper Davis, Muriel Mays Green, and Martha Lee. Sisters-in-law, Johnnie Gibson, Betty Bass Nelson, Gwendolyn Pinkney, and Marie Brown. Brother-in-law, Tracy Hobdy.
She leaves her love and cherished memories to her surviving family and loved ones; Her son, Judge David James Hobdy Jr, and his wife, Dr. Cynthia Hobdy. Her grandchildren, Le’Montio Hobdy, A’Lashuron Hobdy, David James Hobdy the 3rd, and Alecia Sena Hobdy. Sister, Thelma Wright. Brothers, Govie David Jr, Lemerel Davis, wife Barbra Davis, Roy Davis, and wife Doretha Davis. Sisters-in-law, Minnie Hobdy and Palestine Jones. Brother-in-law, Vernell Brown. Nephew Aundra Bass (whom she treated as a son) and his wife, Andrea Bass. Goddaughter, LaShonda Gibson Brown. Tyquita Robison, who helped take care of her in recent years, and numerous other beloved family members and special friends.
Though I had not the pleasure of knowing Alma Davis Hobdy, I am grateful for the time and good faith that went into imparting such a complete and impactful life to me, a stranger of all things. Thank you, Andrea Bass, for the vivid picture you painted of this lovely woman. She was an impressive individual, a loving matriarch, and an outstanding educator whose light will continue to shine through the values and heartfelt endeavors she imparted to her family and the community of Winnfield.
