Shirley Ann (McNish) Dodson

A former Miss Donelson voted Most Popular in high school, and with a report card noting that she was “too chatty,” our Mom loved people and took an interest in everyone she met and their stories. She loved giving and receiving cards; no text or email would ever suffice.

Mom followed politics, volunteering in many elections. She was president of the League of Women Voters and researched every Supreme Court Justice before he/she was appointed. She was a leader in the Junior league, Warner Park Garden Club, Belmont United Methodist Church and numerous other organizations throughout her life. She worked as a secretary in the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, a property manager and later as an administrative assistant in the UAW union, not retiring until the age of seventy-five.

Mom was an avid bridge/duplicate bridge player and studied the game so she would be a better player for her partner. She loved books (hard copy, please) and shared them often.

She became a grandmother at a relatively early age and adored her grands. With her adventurous spirit she took them on trips, to special events and any other excuse to be with them.

Her brother Jerry was so important in her life. They always had each other to count on and that support meant the world to her. She had special cousins Kent (and Ellen) and Pamela (and James) who vied to be her favorite. She was so proud of her niece Cheryl for her accomplishments and her care for family. She had a deep connection to Aunt Sis who passed recently, and Mom repeatedly said how much a talented woman whose laugh she missed was gone from her life.

She was a character, a charming southern lady with “wicked side.” She was so concerned about the health of a fellow church member who was also at Morning Pointe. When the nurse asked why she was so worried about her friend, her response was, “Well she’s OLD!” (She is 8 years older than Mom and still going strong).

Mom thought everyone would be interested in her opinion and shared it frequently. Family members will especially relate to this. It did not keep us from adoring her. She led her life on her own terms, always looking forward and never harboring a grudge against anyone. Her beloved PCP, Dr. David Allen, kept her going longer than any thought possible. We are eternally grateful for him and for the amazing care she received from Amy at Alive Hospice and her nurses at Morning Pointe. They were constantly with us during the last days providing the very best comfort care for mom.

In a letter written years ago to her children, she left these reminders: I like to make people happy so pass it on, Family is the most important thing in life, Pray together, Be kind, Trusting and Have each other’s back. Support one another and say to yourself “What would Mom or Granny do?”

Survived by her brother Jerry McNish (Georgia), her children Connie Edmonds (Rex), Michael Dodson, David Dodson (Michelle); grandchildren Ryan Edmonds (Ashley), Eric Edmonds, Chad Edmonds (Kelsey), Shea Dodson, Connor Dodson and Kaitlyn Dodson.

Mom requested no service but asked that those who wished to honor her donate to Belmont United Methodist Church, 2007 Acklen Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212. Please see the link on this webpage.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woodlawn-Roesch-PattonFH.com for the DODSON family.