WASHINGTON — Lalla Hodges Sidbury passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at her home, finally defeating her 12 year courageous and victorious battle with cancer. 

Friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, July 10 in All Saints’ Hall at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church from 5-8 pm. Funeral services will be conducted by Father Kevin Johnson at 3:00 pm on Thursday, July 11 in All Saints’ Hall with the interment of ashes following the service in the chapel garden.

She was the daughter of Elizabeth (Beth) Midyette and Edward Murray Hodges. She was born on November 12, 1955 in Beaufort County. She was a North Carolina State University graduate and held a Masters in Public Administration from NC State. She was very active and interested in all affairs related to the university. For eight years, she served as a member of the board of directors for the NCSU Alumni Association serving on various committees and the executive board, and was recently named to the board of directors of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation Board at North Carolina State University. She was the founder of the Beaufort County chapter of the alumni association. She was also active in other local civic organizations, particularly the former Washington Jaycettes and the driving force behind the formation of the Eastern Carolina Critical Incident Stress Management Association for emergency service responders.

Lalla was instrumental in developing the pet therapy program at the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center with her beloved chocolate lab, Kasey. In addition to her pet therapy work, she was a strong supporter of the cancer center and its programs helping organize its annual fundraiser, Shaggin’ for a Cause, for many years.

Lalla served the employees of the City of Washington as the director of human resources until 2003, when she took a medical retirement. She was a member of Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church where she was active in the altar guild, Episcopal Church Women, and Saint Peter’s Book Club.

Lalla is survived by her husband, Forest Franklin Sidbury, and her step-daughter Allison Paige Sidbury; a brother, Edward M. Hodges Jr., and wife, Pam: a sister, Elizabeth (Doogie) Hodges Mason, and husband, Keith; and nephews Keith Boyd Mason Jr., Adam Archie Mason, and Edward (Ted) M. Hodges III.

Lalla’s request was that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center Foundation, the Jimmy V Foundation, the Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church Building Fund or the charity of one’s choice. 

Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home & Crematory, Greenville.   

Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com