By Dolores M. Garcia
If roses grow in heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my Mother’s arms
and tell her they’re from me.
Tell her I love her and miss her,
and when she turns to smile,
place a kiss upon her cheek
and hold her for awhile.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day,
but there’s an ache within my heart
that will never go away.
Ann Marie Dodd, adoring wife, mother & “Nana” known for her gentle and warm disposition, giver of heartfelt hugs, and steadfast faith in Jesus Christ peacefully passed away on August 9, 2022 as a result of complications from Frontemporal dementia and ALS. Ann was loved by numerous friends who fondly called her Annie. Annie's family is heartbroken over the loss of such a precious and loving person but they rest in the assurance and hope that she is with her Savior, Jesus and reunited with her sweetheart of almost 40 years, Jim Willis. They cherish the memories they have with Annie and are grateful that they had such a faithful, kind, and supportive mother, sister and friend even if her time may have been cut short.
Annie was surrounded and cared for during her illness in Greenville, South Carolina by her daughters and their spouses, Maryanna Wong (Dennis) and Melinda Stinson (Bryant); and her grandchildren Jayden Wong and Addison Wong. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, James Willis II and her parents Warren and Bernice Dodd.
Ann was born on April 5, 1949 in the small town of La Junta in Colorado. She and her family spent much of her childhood living in Rocky Ford, Colorado. The family moved to Denver in 1963 when she was 14. Even from a young age, Annie enjoyed school and was an exceptional student. Her older sister Jan jokingly remembers, the two playing as little girls and Ann’s enthusiasm with playing “school” and taking on the role of a teacher anytime she was given a chance. Ann loved music and singing and as a result during her junior high and high school years, Annie was involved in choir and school musicals. As a high school student, Annie played Maria in a school production of the Sound of Music. Her resemblance to the original star, Julie Andrews, was remarkable. She attended John F. Kennedy High School and graduated in 1967. Ann then attended the University of Colorado and achieved her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education.
After finishing up her student teaching, Annie began her career teaching elementary students in Colorado Springs. During this time she became actively involved in the Baptist Student Union in the Springs. A few years later she moved back to Denver and began teaching in Aurora. Annie spent most of her professional career in Elementary education and education administration for the Sheridan School District. She later pursued opportunities coaching teachers in literacy and thoroughly enjoyed mentoring and encouraging these young teachers. Towards the end of her education career she transitioned to teaching at the college level for University of Phoenix. Throughout her time in education she made a meaningful impact in the lives of students and their families and fellow educators. This passion to mentor and support others led her to seek intentional opportunities to counsel other women after her retirement. Annie faithfully committed to mentoring young mothers through MOPS and a weekly Bible study at Bear Valley Church in Lakewood, Colorado for many years. The mentoring relationships she developed over the years made a lasting impact in these women's lives. Ann and her husband, Jim also dedicated many years to shepherding other believers as leaders for a local Community Bible Study. Ann used her spiritual gifting of hospitality by giving out of the blessing's God had provided her family through hosting numerous events and dinners in their home.
In 1980, while attending Riverside Baptist Church and becoming involved in the Single's class there, Annie connected with a lively and amusing man, named Jim Willis. Little did she know she would fall for this good-natured fellow and he would later become her future husband. After getting to know each other through church events, in the fall of 1981, Jim finally built up the confidence to ask Annie out on a date. As they dated they realized they were a great match and shared many interests and values. After 9 dates together, they were both sure they had found "The One." Jim proposed to Annie on Christmas Eve. In the Spring of 1982, the two tied the knot. Throughout the years, Jim and Annie have had an exceptional example of a godly marriage that represents faithfulness, respect and enduring love. They have braced life's challenges together and have made every effort to unconditionally support one another.
One of Annie and Jim's favorite activities was attending Denver Broncos and CU Buffaloes football games. For all of their married life they maintained season tickets to the Denver Broncos. Annie and Jim also thoroughly enjoyed going to see musicals and plays at the Buell Theatre in Denver. Annie was an avid reader and was often found sitting in her cozy armchair with her Bible or an interesting book. Annie was always delighted to meet friends or her daughters for a cafe mocha at the local Starbucks. Ann and Jim loved dogs and owned several Boston Terriers during their lifetime. Annie loved to open up her home to family and friends and relished the chance to cook a meal or bake goodies. During the holidays, she enjoyed hosting their family for holiday feasts and making pies and Christmas cookies with her daughters and grandchildren. Annie looked forward to spending time outside on warm late Spring and Summer days planting flowers and gardening. Her garden was a source of pride and was admired by neighbors and friends.
Ann was an endearing, cheerful, sincere, and devoted mother and “Nana.” Her daughters fondly remember the unconditional love and support that Ann displayed continually throughout her lifetime. Annie was a more than just a mother, sister and grandmother to her family. She was a mentor, prayer warrior, and a steadfast source of wisdom and comfort to her family.
Ann’s is widely recognized by her family and friends as a devout woman of faith. Her Christian faith journey began when she was a young child but it wasn't until she attended a Billy Graham conference in her twenties that she took action to make her faith her own and became more purposeful in her walk.
The main theme that would describe Annie's life is a faithful, intentional, and enduring faith in Jesus and commitment to praying and studying God’s Word on a daily basis. Annie had a gentle strength and a very accepting and loving nature towards her family and those she came in contact with. She considered her role as a mentor and prayer warrior very seriously and devoted time each night to pray for others. Despite many trials she and Jim faced during their lives, she held firmly to her faith and persevered with grace and deep reliance on God.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Ann and her husband Jim Willis was held on September 23, 2022 in Denver, Colorado.
In Annie’s memory, donations may be made to Bear Valley Church in Lakewood, Colorado where Ann passionately served for many years and would like to continue reaching others for Christ. If interested in donating, please contact the church at 303-985-4000 or go to their website at bvcchurch.org.
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