Judy Dodd Stephenson

Judy Annette Dodd Stephenson, 71, of Jasper, Alabama, made Heaven her home on January 28, 2026.

Judy was the daughter of the late Howard and Jerry Dodd, born on May 7, 1954. On June 7, 1974, she married the love of her life, Devin Stephenson, and had two wonderful children, Jon Dodd and JuliAnne.

Judy was a Girl Scout in Troop 362 and was the recipient of several awards. Judy was the Drum Major for the Dora High School Marching Band. In her senior year, she was crowned Miss Dora High School and graduated in 1972. After high school, she attended Walker Jr. College in Jasper, Alabama. She worked in the family businesses for many years, Dodd’s Hardware and Dodd’s Discount Drugs.

Judy attended Sumiton Church of God and became a member in 1968. As a child, she rarely missed a church service and participated in numerous events. In her teens, she was involved in children’s ministry, where she taught Sunday School for several years, even into adulthood. Judy was a member of the Sonshine Puppet Ministry, which she enjoyed to the fullest. She served as Wardrobe Director for church pageantry, including His Glory and patriotic presentations. Judy had a God-given talent for singing. She served as a member of the Sumiton Church of God Youth Choir, The Devin Stephenson Singers, Cornerstone, and Spirit Singers. After relocating to Florida, she and Devin transferred their church membership in 2021 to New Life Church in Santa Rosa Beach.

Judy met others with her contagious smile and was a true friend to everyone she met. Her willingness to help others, commitment to excellence, and strong work ethic were among her most valuable attributes.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Howard J. Dodd and Gearldine (Jerry) Lindberg Dodd, father-in-law, James Wesley Stephenson, and brother, Eddie Howard Dodd.

Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Dr. Devin Stephenson; son, Dr. Jon Dodd Stephenson and his wife, Tiffany Trotter Stephenson; daughter, JuliAnne Grace Stephenson Bittle and her husband, Cody Earl Bittle; soon to be grandson, Jon Ruskin Bittle; granddaughters, Kenzlee Ringo and Abby Tedford and her husband, Michael Tedford; great-granddaughter, Blair Tedford; sister-in-law, Glenda Owens Dodd, wife of late Eddie Howard Dodd; brother, James Lee Dodd and his wife, Brenda Sue McMillan Dodd; mother-in-law, Ettawease Lafayette Stephenson; sister-in-law, MaLea Scales; and a host of relatives and friends.

The Celebration of Life Service will be at Sumiton Church of God at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 31, 2026. The service will be officiated by Reverend Lane Sargent and Pastor Shawn Baker. Special music guests are Geron Davis & Kindred Souls and Dr. Alicia Williamson Garcia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

Florida Polytechnic University Foundation

Stephenson Honors Scholarship

4700 Research Way

Lakeland, FL 33805