Doris Elizabeth (Earle) Dodds.
Longtime Greenville resident Doris Dodds passed away early Friday, March 27, 2015. Doris was born August 14, 1922 in Smyrna, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Gerald C. Dodds; her son, Gerald C. Dodds, Jr.; her grandson, Edward Walter Dodds; and her beloved sisters Ethlyn (Howard) Reeves and Helen (Milan) Reeves. Doris is survived by her son, Robert J. Dodds; daughter-in-law, Carol Dodds; and nephews, Russ (Karen) Reeves and H. Paul (Joan) Reeves. Loving grandmother of Robert G. Dodds (Kelli), Edward Dodds (Amy), Kimberlee Davis (Gary), Brian Dodds (Sarah), and Jeffrey Dodds (Erica Fiekowsky). Loving great-grandmother of Rachel, Ryan, Jake, Haley, Joel, Isaac, Hannah, Abigail, John, and Grace.
Doris had a good life, as she often told her family. Born and raised in Smyrna, Doris married Jerry in 1943 and began traveling the nation and world as a proud army wife wherever the United States Army sent them, including a short stint in Okinawa. Her two sons, Jerry, Jr. and Bob, were both born in military hospitals and were affectionately called "Army Brats". In 1957, Jerry retired with 20 years service and a Major's rank and moved to Grand Rapids, where he worked briefly for Fred Meijer. 1959 found them in Greenville with Jerry working for Gibson's, gladly bringing them both back close to their birthplaces and family for the next 50+ years. Doris' two sisters, Helen and Ethlyn, were an integral part of her life, and the three sisters stayed close all their lives, talking daily, and gathering for regular Sunday dinners. Throughout the years, Doris worked at the Hush Puppie factory, Federal Mogul, and finally, Vaughn's Clothing, all in Greenville. In their "golden years," Doris and Jerry enjoyed traveling together with her two sisters and brothers-in-law with motor homes and trailers. Doris and Jerry traveled many places in retirement, ultimately falling in love with Apache Junction, Arizona and the Superstition Mountains, where they wintered for several years.
Family was always important to Doris; she was a loving mother and, when grandchildren started coming, and later great-grandchildren, she was quite happy. Baptisms, birthdays, and annual summer weekends in Greenville were important to her and her grandchildren. Doris made and kept many, many true friends everywhere she went; between work, neighbors, and the TOPS girls, she had a large circle of good friends and cherished them dearly.
Sadly, in 2001, Doris lost her loving husband Jerry and beloved son Jerry, Jr. ( Butch ) within just six weeks of each other. Needless to say, this took quite a lot of her. After a few months of living alone and having health issues of her own, it was decided that she would move to Novi to live with her son, Bob, and his family. What a lot to adjust to in such a short time: the loss of her husband and oldest son, and selling her home of more than 50 years, to leave all her wonderful friends and this area, which she and her mother lovingly called the "center of the earth." Upon her move, Doris subscribed to The Greenville Daily News and eagerly read each edition delivered to her downstate. Resilient as always, she adapted and even improved health-wise for a few years. Then, in 2009, another blow came when her dear grandson, Ed, died tragically in a car accident, a loss which Doris felt deeply. In 2011, Doris and Bob moved to South Lyon into a senior community, and, again, Doris adapted, made several new friends, and settled easily into her new life. Multiple hospital admissions and rehabilitation stays eventually led to the decision of nursing home living. Once more, Doris accepted the move with grace and dignity, finding several new friends among residents and staff. Throughout all the years, Doris found joy and comfort in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and enjoyed their frequent visits. Every member of her family loved Doris. She was the best story teller, political debater, cook, and "granny" to the youngest family members. We will all have a piece of our hearts forever broken until we see her again in heaven.
Funeral services will be 11 AM at Hurst Funeral Home,Tuesday March 31.2015 at with Pastor Don Spachman of First United Methodist Church, Greenville, of which Doris and Jerry were members.Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM on Monday at Hurst Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
