Juanita Faye Dodson

Juanita was born to Jessie James Watkins and Lonia (Lon-ee) Missouri Stanley, on May 18, 1931, in Rock Springs, Texas. She was the oldest of three daughters. Mema as she was so lovingly referred to, met the love of her life, Ferman Dodson, at the Dairy Mart in Monahans, Texas. They were married August 5, 1950, in Monahans, at the age of 19. They later moved to Odessa, Texas where she worked for D & L Sporting Goods until 1964 when she had the first of two boys, JP. Jimmy wasn’t far behind in 1965. She was also a Mary Kay distributor up until last year. With two growing and active boys, who occupied her time with every sport, she was a pivotal part of their schooling and the PTA, serving on the board and later as the state president. So, you can be assured that she would run those boys around town or pick them up from school in one of those pink Mary Kay cars!

As a family, they were all very involved and active with the Boy Scouts of America. In that capacity, she served on the council and was also a den mother. She enjoyed taking care of her nephews and nieces, as well as traveling with Ferman and the boys. Some of which included camping, fishing, and a little gambling. Reading those the old-style Harlequin romance novels and the Hallmark channel were also part of her hobbies.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer, once in 1988 and again in 2001, surviving it both times. The family were members of the Alters Gate Church. She became a founding member of what later would be known as the Resurrection Methodist Church. She was passionate about this role at the church and loved her church family. She loved the Lord, and new him to be her savior. One of her requirements to her family was that she expected EVERYONE to show up for church on Mother’s Day. No excuses!

As you can see from her history with Ferman and both JP & Jimmy, she was known for being direct and to the point, tough, with a tablespoon of stubbornness. But oh, how she had a heart of gold. She was full of love and shared it generously. Especially, when it came to her grandsons and later, her great grandchildren. You could also be certain that your birthday would not be complete without that phone call from her singing you Happy Birthday!

She was preceded in death by her parents’ and husband: and her two sisters, Alma Jane Hewett and Jessie Marie Ford.

She is survived by her two sons, JP and wife, Trish; and Jimmy and wife, Lynn. Two grandsons, Jon and wife Erica; and Michael. Her most prized accomplishments were her great grandchildren Remy, Kayden, Wyatt, Arron, Lilly, and Gavin. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a host of friends.

The family would like to thank everyone for your acts of kindness during this time. They would like to encourage donations to the Susan G Komen for the Cure, or any cancer center of choice.