Olivia J. Dodson

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.