Dorothy "Scottie" Hodge

Dorothy "Scottie" Hodge, a luminary in the world of Greenville arts and music, left an indelible mark on the hearts of many before her passing on April 24, 2025. Born on October 21, 1940, in the small town of Darlington, South Carolina, Scottie's life was a symphony of creativity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her craft.

As a successful band director in Pickens, SC at Pickens High School, where she composed the school song "The Blue Flame Anthem", and a revered trumpeter and vocalist, Scottie’s passion for music blossomed early, leading her to become not just a performer, but a dance band entrepreneur who brought joy through rhythm and melody. She poured her heart into nurturing young talent, fondly remembered as one of the most consequential teachers in her students' lives. Her encouragement and foundational teachings created ripples that not only inspired her students but also allowed them to flourish into artists in their own right.

Scottie's journey was not confined to the notes of her trumpet or the rhythms of her dance bands; she was also a fervent advocate for the visual arts. For thirty years, she ran the Tempo Arts Gallery, a vibrant hub in the Upstate where artists gathered to promote and share their passions. At the height of her influence, she taught 75 students a week, infusing their lives with her zest for creativity. Even after retiring in 2010, her spirit remained undaunted, as she continued to embrace her passions and inspire those around her.

Her educational pursuits were as impressive as her career. A proud graduate of Winthrop College in 1962, she later earned her Master’s Degree from Furman University in 1973, fortifying her role as an educator and mentor. Many would describe her as a free spirit, with an authenticity that made her a friend to all. Scottie was known for her humor and honesty, qualities that endeared her to those who crossed her path.

Among her proudest accomplishments, the proclamation of "Scottie Hodge Week" by Mayor Knox in 1999 stands out as a testament to her remarkable contributions to the arts community. She was also named as "One of 25 Most Beautiful Women in the Upstate" in Greenville's Talk Magazine. Her effort to uplift fellow artists was unmatched, serving on multiple charitable boards, including spearheading Arts in the Park, the South Carolina Watercolor Society, and the Greenville Artists Guild. She was a positive force in countless lives, always ready to lend support where it was needed.

Scottie's legacy is woven into the very fabric of the Greenville creative community, and her memory will live on, inspiring generations of artists to come. She was a mentor, a bright light, and a force of nature whose love for the arts transcended the boundaries of time and space.

Scottie is survived by her nephews, Walter Vernon and Sam Hodge, in addition to many great nieces and nephews and an astounding amount of friends made along her way.

Scottie is preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Elizabeth Hodge, and her siblings Julian “Buddy” Hodge and Elizabeth “Betty” Mooneham.

On May 17, 2025 “Scottie's Final Encore Tribute,” a memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Robinson Funeral Home, located at 1425 Powdersville Road, Easley, SC 29642. There will be a time for visitation and sharing of music and memories between friends from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM with open mic tributes from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Following her service Scottie will be escorted on foot to her gravesite at Robinson Memorial Gardens by a troop of musicians as she is laid to rest. As we gather to celebrate her extraordinary life, we invite all who knew her to reflect on the joy and inspiration she generously shared with us all.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of her two passions: the Metropolitan Arts Council or the Greenville Center for Creative Arts.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley.