Dorothy A. “Dottie” (nee: Garner) Reynolds Dodson, 90, of Leonardtown, MD, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, with her loving son, Frank by her side. Having first been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019, she fought a faith-filled, long and valiant fight that inspired many.
She was born on February 12, 1935, in Shelbyville, MO to the late Emil G. Garner and Helen L. (nee: Bower) Garner.
Dorothy is a 1953 graduate of Galesburg High School in Galesburg, IL. In her younger years, Dorothy held various jobs including being a lifeguard and camp counselor, working at the Illinois Camera Shop, a clerk for the Collier’s Encyclopedia Company, a switchboard telephone operator, and a secretary at PEPCO. On February 22, 1957, she married Darrell Frank Reynolds in Alexandria, VA. They celebrated nearly 24 years of marriage before his passing on January 31, 1981. Together they had three children: Frank William Reynolds, Shelley Jean Reynolds, and Suzanne Marie (nee: Reynolds) Milstead. Once she had a family of her own, she became a full-time homemaker and Mother. She enjoyed volunteering at her children’s schools as a classroom mother, working with the PTA, and the youth scouting organizations. She was also an Avon lady. For a short period of time after the loss of her first husband, she worked at The Wicomico Shores Yacht and Country Club as a swimming pool manager. Dottie and Frank enjoyed many good times travelling, RVing, and sightseeing with their family.
On May 1, 1982, she married William Arnold “Bill” Dodson in LaPlata, MD, with whom she celebrated over 23 wonderful years together until his passing on September 21, 2005. She gained two bonus sons and their families from that marriage; Thomas William “Bill” Dodson, and George “Philip” Dodson. Dorothy also worked for her second husband for a period of time at his business, Dodson’s Dry Cleaners. Dottie and Bill enjoyed playing golf at Wicomico, and crabbing and fishing on the Wicomico River. Dottie spent many an hour picking crabs for her famous crab cakes and crab imperial. Additionally, they especially enjoyed co-hosting the annual neighborhood Labor Day picnics.
Dorothy always loved spending time with her family and friends. She was very talented and enjoyed doing various crafts, from macrame, crocheting and knitting in her younger years to scrapbooking and card making in her later years. Her beautiful and creative cards were much anticipated and appreciated by her family and friends. She was a great cook, and loved trying her hand at many recipes including a cake recipe which she created that was published in Southern Living Magazine. Even into her late 80’s, Dottie enjoyed gardening, landscaping, and decorating her home. She was also an avid reader.
She was a long-time member of Hughesville Baptist Church in Hughesville, MD, and was part of the “Knit-Wits,” a crafting group which raised funds for the church. Dottie had an incredible, inspirational faith that helped her persevere through life’s many triumphs, trials, and tribulations. She had a smile that could light up an entire room which was often remarked upon.
Dorothy is survived by her son, Frank W. Reynolds of Leonardtown, MD; daughter, Suzanne “Suzie” Milstead of Hughesville, MD; step-son, George P. Dodson (Rose) of Hernando, FL; grandchildren, Ashlyn Milstead, Debra Dodson Anderson, Richard E. Dodson (Flor), Dustin Dodson (Kathryn), William “Billy” Dodson Carson (Alana), Jennifer Dodson Bauers (Bob), and Amanda Dodson (Shawn); 11 great grandchildren (Cory, Adalyn, Sydney, Jacob, Colby, Gavin, Myla, Jayce, Eoin, Evelyn, Elsie; and her nieces Chris Jones (Conley), and Steph Futrell (Dan), and nephew Julian Carrera; and many other extended family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her first husband, Darrell Frank Reynolds; her second husband, William Arnold “Bill” Dodson; daughter, Shelly Jean Reynolds; sister-in-law, Beverley N. Carrera; son-in-law, Marc Alan “Opey” Milstead; brother, Emil Grant Garner Jr.; half-sister, Frances “Evelyn” Garner; and step-son, Thomas William “Bill” Dodson.
Family will receive friends for Dorothy’s Life Celebration on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Hughesville Baptist Church; 8505 Old Leonardtown Rd in Hughesville, MD 20637. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital (ALSAC); Donor Services Department (1-800-822-6344); www.stjude.org.
Condolences may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
I like your website
Tim