Rilda touched my heart the first time I met her when Marsha, who has remained my lifelong friend, invited me to her home for a sleepover in jr high school.  So blessed to have known this sweet lady and the beautiful family she raised and loved. She will always have a special place in my heart,  and my childhood memories. Rest in peace sweet lady.  

I will cherish my time with Rilda and the opportunity to share a season of life with her. When I stayed with them a highlight was eating out together and finding new restaurants to go to. Nothing compared to my favorite spot, the local diner in Justin where I was introduced to classmates from Rilda’s childhood. She ran a very well organized house and breakfast was well planned out. Together Rilda and Dudley served up the planned  breakfast for that day. It was always on schedule and accompanied with the comics and newspaper. I loved the peaceful and predictable pace of their home. She was a Proverbs 31 woman.

Rilda & Dudley were a wonderful couple whom I & my wife  Pat had the privilege of pastoring for 3 years in the  late 70s. She was a talented pianist & a good Church secretary. I have very fond memories of this couple. They introduced us to what was called the Prayer & Bible  Conference at the time. We enjoyed the trip to Arkansas together for our introduction to that great event. 
May God be with the family in this loss & Heavens gain.

Rilda was a dear cousin who taught me to play piano! My daddy Hoyt Barnard was pastoring the AG church in Justin when Rilda moved when her husband died. We did a lot of stuff together. She was a great Christian lady! I remember she learned how to drive after she moved back to Justin that was lots of fun. Love you  Bernice!

I have met Rilda a few times with her husband Dudley which I have known since I was a small child. Rilda was a Very Sweet Lady. I met her at  Old North Side Assembly of God Reunion's. My Thoughts and Prayers are with All of the Family. 
Marilyn Brown Thomas 


Mike and I first met Rilda when we moved to Texas in 1998.  She immediately "took us under her wing".  
She introduced us to many of her friends, who became our friends too. We loved being with her and Dudley in church.
She showed us the best places to eat around Justin and the surrounding areas! She was an awesome tour guide. She never knew a stranger and made everyone feel welcome.
We loved her as if she was family.  She was world class .
She loved the Lord so very much.  Of that, we can be certain.
She will be greatly missed.

Mike and Connie Nielsen

Rilda was one of my most favorite people.  She came to Justin as a young widow with 4 small children when I was 12. She took me shopping with her, &  taught me piano lessons in exchange for cleaning her house & ironing for her family, since I didn't have the money to pay her. 
She had my wedding reception in her home, & my sisters & I spent many Sunday afternoons at her house.  We still stayed in touch regularly...so many sweet memories! 
My condolences & prayers go out to her precious family at this time of sorrow. She is rejoicing with Jesus & her loved ones in heaven now, & I look forward  to seeing her again there!

Rilda was without a doubt one of the sweetest women I have had the pleasure of meeting.  I knew her and her precious husband at church when I went to Sage Meadow(now One Church). She always told me she was praying for me. God has gained a beautiful soul. 

Rilda was one in a million. I used to make her days long at City Hall. She and Vera were the last of a dying breed of pencil book keepers. Rilda was the fire alarm buzzer woman for those that remember. When someone called in a fire or even a storm she hit the alarm button on the wall by her desk. Times were different back then but I believe much better than the way people act today. She knew everyone in town by their first name and could tell you where they lived. Rest in peace Mrs. Dodson.

Dear Cousins, 
Your Mother was always such a highly respectful Spiritual l.ady. Earlier in years when you were all small children; at the time your father Marshal was suddenly caught up into Heaven, it was such a shock.  
However, your Mother with God's help continued to walk out the days until now with great dignity and proudly raised her children in the goodness of the Lord.  Jeremiah 29:11
Another memory was her great musical talent and her faithfulness to serve the local congregation for many years.  
(Thankful also for her patience and input to teach me piano)
Our family will greatly miss her, but on the day we gather again over on the other side, we will again rejoice together! PTL
My love is sincerely sent to all you, at this time.

Praying for all of you.   Rilda was alway like part of my Family.  She was in our Church Family.  Justin Assembly of God.
She was one of my Mentors as I grew up.  Such a Godly Prov. 31 
Lady.   Loved Her Mom & Dad too.  Knowing she is in Heaven, pain free gives me great Peace.  

Rilda you will truly be missed it was such a Joy knowing your smile and feeling your Great Heart until we meet again! Sending Love to your 💓 precious family

OBITUARY

Rilda Dodson

February 23, 1931 – July 24, 2020

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