Velma Dodson

1941-2021

Posted

Velma Kathryn Dodson, 80, Bland, passed away Aug. 23, 2021, at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
She was born Feb. 26, 1941, to James Thomas and Pearl Rose (Franklin) Luna, in West Point, Tenn.
She was united in marriage to Robert C. Dodson, June 22, 1957, in Bragg City.
Kathryn attended school in Bragg City through the 8th grade and later received her G.E.D. in St. Louis in 1978. It was a accomplishment she was very proud of being privileged to share her graduation with her sons graduating in 1977 and 1979.
She had been employed at the Grove Company in Brentwood, for 11 years, which made the Thermo Jack clothing line. She then retired to Bland in 1988. Kathryn also served as a Teachers Aid at Mark Twain Elementary in the 1960s and early 70s. She had been a long-time member of the Rock Hill Baptist Church in St. Louis.
Bob and Kathryn served the Bland Baptist Church for 17 years as a preacher and a preacher’s wife. She served as a Sunday school teacher, as well as, in other church activities. She was active in her children’s lives serving as both a Cub Scout Leader and a Girl Scout Leader. Kathryn loved singing, at church or at home, gardening, antiquing, and sewing. She was a talented seamstress and was known to have made clothing for her family as well as others in the community. She loved doing crafts and making floral arrangements for people. She was a selfless lady who always seemed to put others needs before her own. Kathy never met a person that didn’t seem to love her. Her greatest joy was time spent with her family.
She is preceded in death by parents James and Pearl; husband Robert; daughter-in-law Kathleen (McNabb) Dodson; brothers Charles, Vernon, Bill, and Raymond Luna; and sister Mable Adams.
Kathryn is survived by sons Robert C. Dodson Jr. and wife Mary of St. James and Thomas E. Dodson and wife Jeanne of Japan, Mo.; daughters Diana L. McDonough of Concord and Patricia D. Dodson of Bland; brother Marvin Ray Luna of Tenn., and sister Thelma Christine Tithof of Mich.; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.
In keeping with Kathryn’s wishes, her body was cremated. Bob and Kathryn will be buried together on Sept. 11, at 11 a.m. in the Bland Union Cemetery. Lunch will be provided by the Bland Baptist Church immediately following.
Memorial suggestions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.