Annie Laurie Dodd

Not everyone gets to live a mostly happy and fulfilled life until they are 93 years old, but Annie Laurie Dodd did. Not everyone is a joy to be with, or a person who radiates sunshine instead of thunderstorms, a person with a positive outlook on life almost every day, a person with the gift of making each person around her feel uniquely special and loved, but Annie Laurie Dodd did. Not everyone is fortunate enough to be continuously surrounded in her own home by loving family, faithful friends, and devoted caregivers until that last breath is drawn, but Annie Laurie Dodd was so blessed.

Annie Laurie Smith was born in Atlanta, Georgia to Laura and O.T. Smith on May 26, 1931. Her English Scots Irish early heritage was evident due to her red hair and sparkling grey blue eyes, but her temperament was elegantly sweet and kind rather than volatile and impulsive. She was a gifted child who showed remarkable early talent as an artist with some examples remaining to this day. She was an artist of remarkable talent in her mid to late years as well and remained sweet and kind until the last day of her life on August 04, 2024.

Annie Laurie married her high school sweetheart, Doug Welch, in 1949. They had five lively children, were never rich in money but were rich in love throughout the time they were married, Doug died tragically in a hunting accident in 1976. Annie Laurie then had to take care of her family and her own life, although several of those children were married or living on their own at that time. She was working at Atlanta’s Rich’s until Neiman Marcus solicited her to work for them. She loved her work at Neiman’s and made many lifelong friends while there.

Annie Laurie also began to revive her dormant artistic talent during that period. Five demanding children and many other responsibilities will put creative pursuits aside until a quieter time arrives. 1989 brought an introduction to Lamar Dodd of Athens, GA due to him seeing the watercolors she had begun to paint again. That introduction quickly led to admiration, joy in one another’s presence, and a happy second marriage for both Annie Laurie and Lamar. Sadly, Lamar Dodd passed away in late 1996, but the years they spent together were fulfilling ones.

Three of Annie Laurie’s children remain alive today: Marcia Davis, Donna Cason, and Jack Welch. Two other sons sadly predeceased their mother: Edward Douglas Welch III and Richard Glenn Welch. Annie Laurie is also survived by son in law Chuck Cason, daughter in law Gail Welch, five grandchildren and their spouses, and sixteen great-grandchildren. Also, her brother Tom Smith and his wife Susan, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and valued friends.

A Memorial Service for Annie Laurie Dodd will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Athens, GA, 185 East Hancock Street, Athens, GA, 30601 at 2:00 PM, Friday, September 20, 2024.

A Reception following the service will be held in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

Live streaming of the Memorial Service can be seen by logging into the Church’s website, https://www.firstpresathens.org and using Facebook. After the live service, it can be seen by going to the YouTube Channel.

Parking directions with maps can also be found on the church’s website.

A private graveside service will be held for family members at the Minter Family Cemetery in Monticello, GA at 11:30 AM on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Bernstein’s Funeral Home of Athens is handling funeral arrangements and will be assisting during the Memorial Service and Reception.

In lieu of flowers for the service or graveside, the family requests that donations be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Athens Flower Committee in memory of Annie Laurie Dodd so that the congregations may enjoy flowers periodically in her name and yours.