Dolores "Dodie" Annette Mayer

Known to generations of students as Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Mayer, and to her family simply as Dodie, she spent a lifetime encouraging others to find joy and creativity in the world around them.

Born and raised in Sarasota, Dodie was the daughter of William Allen Wynne, who later served as Sarasota County Clerk of the Court, and Myrtle Patricia Zetrouer Wynne. A gifted student, she graduated from Sarasota High School in 1945 at just 16 years old. She attended Stephens College in Missouri before deciding the midwestern winters were not for her. She returned to Florida to continue her education at Florida State University, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She later earned her Master's Degree from the University of South Florida.

Dodie dedicated 25 years to teaching art at Alta Vista Elementary, inspiring countless students through her patience, encouragement, and love of art. Her favorite medium was oil pastels, and art remained one of her greatest passions throughout her life.

She was also an active member of the Sarasota community, serving as both a member and president of the Orange Blossom Circle of the Sarasota Garden Club from 1964 to 1996.

While her accomplishments were many, her family knew her best as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. Her grandchildren will forever treasure afternoons spent creating art beside her, swimming, and exploring nature together. She was quick-witted, kind-hearted, and had a special love for animals, especially her beloved dogs.

Dodie was preceded in death by her first husband, Francis Stewart Brown in 1974, and her husband, Sherwin Mayer in 2010.

She is survived by her children, Susan (Marc) Kaye, Linda Ellis, Chip (Elsa) Brown, and Patricia (Randy) Leigh; her stepchildren, Jon Mayer and Lisa Hammon; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

The family finds comfort in imagining Dodie surrounded by color once again, sketching with her beloved oil pastels and reunited with her loved ones and cherished dogs who went before her.

A private burial will take place on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Sarasota Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Sarasota Garden Club, Art Center Sarasota, Humane Society of Sarasota County, or Tidewell Hospice in honor of Dodie's passion for art, lifelong learning and animals.