Rebecca Elizabeth (Brown) Dodson-Kirby

Rebecca Elizabeth Brown Dodson-Kirby passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by loved ones on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born on December 9th, 1933, in Spartanburg, SC to the late Thomas Guy and Mamie Louise (Wilkins) Brown. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her 1st husband Edwin Allen Dodson, Sr., sons Edwin Allen Dodson, Jr. and James Van Dodson, 2nd husband Earl Barry Kirby, Sr, brother Basil T. Brown and brothers-in-law, Daniel T. Marthers and Ted H. Bradberry. Becky was known for her gentle nature, calming spirit, ability to love unconditionally, and most notably her sweet smile. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University and began a lifelong career in nursing which lasted for 63 years. While her children were younger, Becky went back to school and earned her master’s degree from Emory University. She was very proud that she passed on her passion for nursing to 3 of her granddaughters who became RN’s. Becky was an incredibly hard worker and impressed upon her children a great work ethic. She was a woman of deep faith in her Savior Jesus Christ, making sure to take her children to church every Sunday and to Vacation Bible School every summer. Her faith in the Lord saw her through many difficult challenges in her life. A long-time member of Mansfield Baptist Church, Becky enjoyed the friendships she made in the 3 R’s, and the time she served with the Nursing Home Ministry. Her soothing manner endeared her to the residents of the local nursing homes. Becky was beloved by many, and her memory will forever be cherished by her children and their spouses, Nancy and Tim Smith, Tommy Dodson and Deborah Bounds, Timmy Dodson, Krista and Joe DeLisle; grandchildren and their spouses, Michele and Tommy Thrailkill, Brian and Beth Dodson, Amanda and Brian Smith, Ashleigh and Justin McCormack, Brittany and Jay Reynolds, Melissa and Justin Henderson, Julie and Uriah Hogeland, Whitney and Lake Lucas, Kyle Smith; 18 great grandchildren; sisters, Varina Bradberry, Phyllis Marthers; sister-in-law Janice Brown; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Mansfield Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Perkins and Pastor Neal Dose officiating. Interment will follow at Sewell Methodist Church Cemetery in Mansfield. The family will receive friends at Wheeler Funeral and Cremation Services, 11405 Brown Bridge Rd, Covington on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to St. Jude at www.stjude.org. Guests may send condolences to www.wheelerfuneralhome.com.

Rebecca Elizabeth (Brown) Dodson-Kirby

December 9, 1933 - January 20, 2025