Deborah Hodges Fenwick

Deborah Hodges Fenwick, age 71, beloved wife of Dr. William Michael Fenwick, and resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Born in Fulton, Kentucky, on January 12, 1953, Deborah was the daughter of the late James and Charlene Hodges. A 1971 graduate of South Fulton High School, Deborah pursued her passion for education, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1975 and a master’s degree in business education in 1977, both from the University of Tennessee at Martin. 

On August 7, 1976, Deborah married her husband of 48 years, Mike Fenwick, with whom she shared a beautiful life full of love and cherished memories. Mike and Deborah resided in Hermitage, Tennessee for many years, where they raised their children, before moving to Columbia, Tennessee to be closer to their Tennessee family. 

In addition to her husband, Deborah is survived by her daughter, Courtney (Dr. Alex) Goodman of Columbia, TN; son, James (Jennifer) Fenwick of Salida, CO; grandchildren, Will Goodman, Clayton Goodman, Lillian Goodman, her mother and father in law, Bill & Jean Fenwick, sisters and brothers in law, Ann & Joe Bilbrey, Pat & Susie Fenwick, and her treasured standard poodles, Chloe and Sheeba.

Deborah dedicated much of her professional life to teaching, touching countless lives during her tenure at Donelson Christian Academy (1993–2008) and Volunteer State Community College.

Lovingly known as “Dede” by many, Deborah’s vibrant, witty, and kind-hearted personality endeared her to all who knew her. She never met a stranger and had a gift for bringing joy to those around her with her infectious smile and gentle presence. She found immense happiness in traveling with her husband and friends, particularly to Colorado, where they enjoyed fly fishing with family and friends amidst serene settings. She had a fondness for shopping and a renowned sense of style. Deborah and Mike found great fulfillment in their latest hobby, their farm in Santa Fe, Tennessee, and enjoyed hosting family gatherings, church gatherings, and anyone and everyone else in between. 

Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She was so proud of her two children, and her grandchildren would become the sparkle in her eye and where much of her attention was focused from the moment she became a grandmother. 

Those serving as pallbearers will be Dr. Alex Goodman, Dr. Frankie Locklar, Dr. Jim Richardson, Dr. Bo Crabtree, Lonnie Stevens, and Chaz Molder. Honorary pallbearers will include the members of The Covenant Sunday School Class at Columbia First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to The People’s Table c/o Columbia First United Methodist Church, 222 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN or The Tennessee Veterinarian Medical Foundation, P.O. Box 803, Fayetteville, TN 37334.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Columbia First United Methodist Church with The Reverend Stephen Sauls officiating. Following the service, she will be interred at the Garden of Love in Maury Memorial Gardens. A visitation will also be held on Saturday, from 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM at the church.