Harriet Gwendolyn Dodson

Harriet Gwendolyn Dodson of Blacksburg, VA passed away Monday, February 6 at her home. Gwen was born December 18, 1920 to Edward and Eudora Dixon Jones. On April 17, 1942, she married her lifelong love Grover Stanton Dodson. Beginning their life together in Norfolk, VA, Gwen and Grover eventually settled into their Virginia Beach home, where they lived nearly 52 years. In 2014, the couple relocated to Blacksburg, VA.

Gwen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. A woman of deep faith, she was an active member of Azalea Baptist Church in Norfolk for over 50 years, where she sang in choir and taught Sunday school. She also was a gifted painter and could often be found in her kitchen, preparing all sorts of delectables from scratch.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 75 years, Grover S. Dodson; one brother, Donald Jones of St. Louis, MO; four sons, Lewis A. Dodson and wife Louise of The Villages, FL, Ronald S. Dodson of The Villages, FL, David E. Dodson and wife Linda of Virginia Beach, and Douglas B. Dodson of Blacksburg, VA; six grandchildren, Stephanie Hayes (Steve), Brian Dodson (Mandy), Gregory Dodson (Krista), Kimberly Carroll (Chris), Audrey Breen (Andrew), and Leigh Marquay (Glenn); 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 step great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Carolyn Dodson (Ronald); 3 sisters; and 3 brothers.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, February 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Princess Anne Memorial Park on N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach. Memorial Donations may be made to Azalea Baptist Church.