Betty Ann Dodd

Betty Ann Standefer Dodd passed away Friday, February 15, 2019 in Odessa, Texas at her home surrounded by family. She was born December 19, 1931 in Slick, Oklahoma to Joseph Estal Standefer and Tibitha Irene Prince Standefer. Family moved to Eunice, New Mexico in 1935. She graduated from Eunice High School in 1949. She attended Texas Tech University. The University of New Mexico, (where it is believed that she was the first female drum major) and continued to graduate studies through correspondence courses at Easter New Mexico University. She married Joseph Michael Dodd on February 22, 1962. They were married 57 years.

Betty was a teacher. She started a kindergarten added to her house in Eunice, NM. Family moved to Odessa Texas in 1964. Betty continued teaching kindergarten and later became Head of School at St. John’s Episcopal School for 34 years. She retired in 2000. Teaching was her passion. She loved her former students. She was a recipient of the Heritage of Odessa Foundation award for Education in 1999 and was named to Who’s Who among American Teachers. After retirement, she served at various times on the St. John’s Church vestry and was also a member of the St. John’s School board. Outside of the school setting she was actively involved in Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Daughters of the American Revolution, Texas Special Olympics, served as president of the Odessa Women’s Forum, and helped with food delivery for Meals on Wheels.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Carl Joe and Billy Lee Standefer, grandson Marshal Cameron Moore, niece Marsha Standefer and nephew Ronnie Standefer.

She is survived by her husband Joe Dodd, sons John Patrick Dodd, Joseph David Dodd, daughters Janet Irene Moore, Jodi Marie Cole (Christopher), granddaughters Nicole Leigh Newberry (Brandon), Emily Christine Cole (fiancé Patrick Decker), Camryn Grace Cole, and great granddaughter Laynee Newberry.

We will celebrate her life on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 1:00 pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 401 N County Road West, Odessa, TX 79763.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics Area 18, 401 W. Texas Ave. Suite #507, Midland, TX 79701, Home Hospice 619 N. Grand Ave. Suite # 120, Odessa, TX 79761, Meals on Wheels of Odessa, 1314 E. 5th St. Odessa, TX 79761 or charity of your choice.