Renee Hodges-Bahar was born on October 3, 1963, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Robert B. and Vanell Hodges.

At a young age, Renee gave her life to Christ under the leadership of Pastor C.D. Gant at Second Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, where she was an active member. Over the years, she attended several other churches, but Second Mount Carmel remained her home church.

As a child, she attended the Cleveland and East Cleveland Public School Systems. Renee graduated from Shaw High School in June 1981. While attending Shaw, she earned her license in Cosmetology. Continuing her education, she attended Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree.

After obtaining her license and degree, Renee worked in early childhood education and also held a direct support care position, assisting individuals with disabilities.

Later in life, Renee was united in holy matrimony to Ephriam Bahar on July 25, 2003, who preceded her in death.

Renee enjoyed playing cards and listening to music—her favorite song was “I Try” by Angela Bofill. She loved spending time with family and friends and had an outgoing personality. She especially liked barbecuing and competitively playing games. Her other favorite pastimes included playing Pac-Man, taking bus trips to various casinos, calling WZAK 93.1 to request songs and speak with DJ John Moss, video recording at family events, and watching Cleveland sports.

Renee leaves behind her mother, Vanell; two daughters, LaQuondra and LaKari (Darryl); her granddaughter, De’Vryon Gray; grandsons, De’Von Gray, Jihad Wilcox-Hodges, Dre’Von Day, and De’Veon Day; and a great-granddaughter, Ma’Loni Gray. She is also survived by her sisters, Jacqueline and Barbara (William); brothers, W. Anthony (Darlene) and Robert (Lisa); four nieces; 13 nephews; 18 great-nieces; 14 great-nephews; one great-great-nephew; three great-great-nieces; and a host of other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Ruby and Daisy; brothers, Thomas Sr. and Reginald; and her nephew, Terence Sr.