Elizabeth “Liz” Dodd Barton, 77, of Columbus, Georgia passed away on January 5, 2024 under the care of Columbus Hospice. She was born October 29, 1946, in Memphis, TN, the daughter of Robert C. Dodd and Louise Walker Dodd. Upon graduation from high school, she attended the University of Tennessee and received a Bachelor of Education degree in 1968.
Liz married Lindsay Alan Barton on June 7, 1969. They welcomed their first child, Sandra, the following year and a son, Alan, in 1973. She and Lindsay moved to Columbus in 1970 where she taught elementary school for 10 years and then worked for Muscogee County School District and Columbus State University in administrative roles.
Liz was a lifetime volunteer and worked with a variety of organizations including the March of Dimes, Columbus Jaycettes, Miss Georgia Pageant, Hunter Street Baptist English as a Second Language program and the Salvation Army. With the Miss Georgia Pageant she served as the traveling companion to Miss Georgia welcoming each new Miss Georgia into her home as they prepared for the Miss America competition. She maintained lifelong friendships with each of these women.
In Columbus, she was an active member of Morningside Baptist Church for 40 years. When her children were young, she worked with the children’s music and mission programs.
Liz’s greatest joy was her 3 grandchildren. She and Lindsay moved to Hoover, AL in 2008 and lived there until 2018 to be closer to their first grandchild, Andrew. They traveled multiple times a year to visit their grandchildren Lily and Rowan in Oregon. She returned to Columbus in 2018 where they were actively involved in ministries of First Baptist Church of Columbus, Georgia. In retirement, Lindsay and Liz traveled extensively through North America, Central America, and Europe.
She leaves her loving memory to be cherished by her husband of 54 years, Lindsay Alan Barton; her loving children: Sandra Barton (Michael) Vickers and Alan Dodd (Christine Smith) Barton; her very adored grandchildren: Andrew Barton Vickers, Lily Ann Smith Barton, and Rowan Reed Smith Barton; her brother, Robert W. Dodd; her brother-in-law, D. Larry (Cynthia) Barton; her niece, Wesley Ann Barton (Andrew Hariton); and many great friends. Liz was preceded in death by her parents, Louise Walker Dodd and Robert C. Dodd. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and especially loved her.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Columbus, 212 12th Street, Columbus, GA 31901 with Reverend Dr. Jimmy Elder officiating. Family will visit with friends from 10:00 AM until time of the service at the church. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, AL.
Flowers are accepted, for those wishing to make a memorial contribution to a charity or an organization, Liz’s favorite charity was Victory Mission of Columbus’ First Baptist Church. Victory Mission of First Baptist, PO Box 828, Columbus, GA 31902 or a charity of your choice.
