Olivia J. Dodson
July 5, 1944 ~ May 9, 2020
Born in:
Daytona, FL
Resided in:
Atlanta, GA
On Saturday, May 9, 2020, Olivia Dodson, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away
at the age of 75.
She is survived by her husband Larry; her sons David, Wayne, Michael, Scott, Keith;
daughters-in-law Lynn, Lori, Stacey, Jenny; and her grandchildren Sam, Hayden, Rylan, Clay,
Jonah, Jack, Chaney, Hunter, and Hayley.
Olivia was born July 5, 1944, in Daytona Beach Florida to William and Ouida Edwards. As a
child, she and her family moved to Atlanta, Georgia. She attended grade school and high school
in the Brookhaven area. While at Cross Keys High School, she met Larry Dodson. In 1961 they
eloped and were married by a Justice of the Peace. After Larry served his country in the Navy,
he and Olivia settled in the suburbs of Atlanta to start a family.
Olivia knew that faith is the foundation of her family. Thus, First Baptist Chamblee became an
important part of the Dodson family life. Olivia and Larry served as Sunday School teachers and
camp counselors to the church youth for many years. She is well loved by the hundreds of
teenagers she taught and mentored. She also made many life-long friends at Chamblee,
including her “sisters” who she loved so dearly. Later in life, Larry and Olivia made their church
home at Smoke Rise Baptist.
Olivia’s favorite thing was spending time with family and friends. From long camping trips at
Lake Lanier, pool parties, holiday gatherings, family retreats, and vacations with her best
friends, she was never happier than when surrounded by loved ones.
It’s difficult to express the impact she had on others’ lives. Olivia was a humble servant of God.
She had so much love to give and she gave it without hesitation. She will be missed.
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As of today, we have not set a date for her Memorial Service. Mom insisted on an informal gathering of friends and we aim to do just that. We will know more soon.
Shay Streater Meaders
Thank you Shay! We appreciate all the love and support that has been coming our way.
So sorry for your loss!!
She will be sorely missed! Love you all.
I am saddened by the news of Olivia’s passing. I have very fond memories of her and your family from my years at First Baptist Chamblee and Camp Rutledge. Keeping your family in my prayers for strength and comfort during your time of sorrow.
Thoughts and prayers for your family and your loss.
Olivia was truly a special lady. I’ve known her since 1965. So many great memories of times spent together. I’m so glad for those times. Until I see you again.
Mike, Wayne, and family. Words cannot express what my heart is feeling. Your mom was such an amazing woman and I’ve cherished her my entire life. Keeping you all in my prayers and thoughts. Paige (Lord)
Paige, Thank you for your kind words. You are right, she was amazing and leaves behind such an amazing legacy. She touched so many lives and had nothing but love to give.
So sorry for your loss. Olivia was such a bright spot in my day every time I saw her at church. She will be sorely missed.
Mike and Stacey, we are so very sorry for your loss. I loved her obituary as she was such an interesting, fun, and loving person, I’m sure. She sure raised a fine man – and we are blessed to be your neighbors. Please know we are praying for you and your family and your father. I know you have amazing memories to comfort you. God bless you all. Beth and Bill
Carra and Brian Greer
Praying for your family through this difficult time may God be with you all
Our deepest condolences to this wonderful family. Olivia was a sweet, sweet spirit to all who knew her. May God bless you all with His comfort and healing. We all know she’s in Heaven and we will see her again.
So terribly sorry for your loss. I knew Olivia for a long time. She was one of my Cross Keys High School friends. I used to occasionally run into her at the grocery store as she was a neighbor as well. Condolences to the family.
Olivia and Larry blessed my 2 sons with an opportunity to learn a strong work ethic and how to earn complete trust as they worked as teenagers for Environment Control. The Dodsons had a special connection with teenagers that made lasting lifelong impressions and guided our boys and many others to the path to salvation through FBC Chamblee, camp, and Bible study. Roy and I will always be grateful for your leadership and example.
So sad to hear the news.
We will keep the Dodson Family in our prayers.
It was a joy seeing the Dodson Family sitting
together at Smoke Rise Baptist Church each Sunday!
We will never forget the great times we had at the EC outings. We are really going to miss her, but we know we will see her again in Heaven.
I have just this day learned of Olivia’s passing into the presence of our LORD. I grew up in Brookhaven with both Olivia and Larry. We attended elementary and high school together. I continued to see them at class reunions etc. I grieve with you all her loss. Love, prayers and blessings upon her large, extended family. She was so proud of each of you. Until we see her again.
Olivia and I were good friends for many years beginning in high school. Even though it has been years since I saw her, I will miss her. Larry, my love and thoughts are with you and your family.
Carole
,
I’m so so sorry for your loss. I knew Libby from the ball field and through Larry at Kodak.
I’m so so sorry for your loss. I knew Libby from the ball field and through Larry at Kodak.
Larry, Every memory I have of you and Olivia is a happy one. She would light up a room when she entered. She was so positive. My best memory of you two was the night of our senior prom. You, Manor Farmer, Don Jones and I took our dates to eat at Johnny Reb’s and while waiting for our food you told us that Olivia wasn’t gonna be your girlfriend anymore. We were all in shock and of course you and Olivia played it to the hilt before swearing us to silence and then telling us she was now your wife.
God bless you and the boys in this trying time. Mike and Sue
Larry, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve known you and Olivia for a long, long time, and have nothing but fond memories of you two. I’m so glad that we were able to spend some time together at the class reunion in 2011, I think it was. I pray that the Good Lord watches over her, and that He gives you strength and comfort during your grieving.
Buddy Pattillo
Larry, Pam and I have great memories of our times spent with you and Olivia at E.C. functions, we will miss Olivia! May God comfort and
bless you and our family, you all will be in our prayers!
Blessings, from your California E.C. family,
Bob & Pam Wells
I always enjoyed Olivia’s warmth and kindness to Meleah and I
at EC events. We will miss her and pray for God’s comfort to all
the family.