Dodson Memorial

Proverbs 31:10–31 ESV

10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. 15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Virginia Dodson, is a good woman. She didn’t need diamonds.  She was absolutely worth far more. Gene Dodson trusted Mom without reserve. She never gave him a reason for distrust. Daddy had no regrets. His final days on this earth were spent concerned about Mom’s well being. Mom was not spiteful but they had their moments like everyone in a relationship.  She treated him generously and supported him all her life long. Mom preferred crocheting to knitting. She had a sewing machine for as long as I can remember. She also enjoyed garage sales, clearance racks, ceramics, decoupage, and a variety of crafts. Mom knew how to bargain for a good deal. As a little girl I remember a handbag vendor in Tijuana nearly in tears because of her bargaining skills. She always brought us gifts from her travels with Dad.

I have no memories of hunger. I was always well fed. She ended her career outside the home and retired from a “before the sun rises” job at Bank of America. Mom and Dad invested in property as long as I can remember. It served them well and provided them an abundant garden for their latter years.

Mom was always working on some type of project. She did not have idle hands.

Mom had many evenings throughout my life in Children’s ministry, missions GA’s and Acteens, VBS, Womrns Ministry, Choir,  AWANA, Sunday School, discipleship training. She was the best cook!  Dad would tell the story of their early marriage where she didn’t know how to boil water. Boy did she come along way. Our nightly family dinners and her annual Christmas Open House was full of homemade food by Mom. Her Sunday pot roast was the best. Mom was an organizer to provide food for the sick or hospitalized. She was always gracious when Dad brought someone home who needed a meal, even when  her Mom antennas went straight up. Mom did sew although it wasn’t her favorite. For many years she worked for JCPenneys. she loved the employee discount for Dad’s suits and our school and summer clothes. I’m sure she bought clothes for herself but I really don’t remember seeing it.  I should mention the snow. I remember her years when we moved from SoCal to Oregon. She wasn’t a fan of snow. Dad was “greatly respected” within the communities he pastored. She was the Godly Helpmate that encouraged him.

Her clothes are well made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. Mom didn’t have a dress shop but through the years she sold Avon, Jafra, teddy bears and Premiere Jewelry.  She faced each new day as just that, a new day. Mom didn’t have trouble saying what needed to be said. She had the spiritual gift of discernment and probably could have said “I told you so” much more often than she did. ‘ I was picking green beans and strawberries in the fields at 7 years old. After HS graduation, she drove me to the employment agency and interviews and I came home with a job that day at a title company ... where I met Bill. We always teased her that she is the one who brought us together.

These final verses need no elaboration:

Her children respect her and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise. Many women have done great things but you’ve outclassed them all. Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!

— Proverbs 31:10p