Obituary of Debra Joann Dodson

Debra Joann Dodson, age 58 of Hunlock Creek, entered into the joy of her Lord on Thursday, September 7, 2017. She was resting peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones. Mrs. Dodson was born in Homestead, FL, on October 8, 1958 and was the daughter of Kenneth A. Williams and his wife Virginia of Bloomingdale and Laura M. (Sutliff) Culver and her husband Royal of Hunlock Creek. At a young age, Debbie attended evangelistic meetings at the Bloomingdale Bible Church. It was at these meetings that she heard the good news that, "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" (1 Cor. 15:3-4). Debbie trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior that day, became a child of God, and was assured of an eternal home in Heaven. Debbie was a 1976 graduate of Lake Lehman High School where she was known for sabotaging her friends' lockers. She was a proud member of the award-winning L.L.H.S. band under the direction of Mr. John Miliauskas. She later received her Associates Degree in accounting from Luzerne County Community College. Debbie was married to her husband, Bryan Dale Dodson for 37 years. Together they were involved in the Cub Scouts and Big Brothers/Big Sisters organizations and later went into full-time Christian service, working to evangelize and disciple children and to train children's workers in small, struggling churches. Debbie was most recently employed by EEI/The Meadows of Dallas as Staff Accountant and previously by Bricks & Stones Supply of Forty Fort as Bookkeeper. Both employers showed great kindness and generosity to Debbie and her family during her illness. Debbie enjoyed quilting, counted cross-stitch, and puzzles of all kinds. She was an active member of Vernon Baptist Church in Northmoreland Township where she was instrumental in starting the missions closet ministry. Debbie's life verse was Psalm 73:28, "But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works." This Bible truth was evident in her daily life and personal testimony. In addition to her parents and husband, she is survived by her son Bryan Lee Dodson and his wife Julie of Hunlock Creek; brother David Williams of Sweet Valley; and one granddaughter, Mackenzie Grace, who was the apple of her eye. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 4 p.m. from the Vernon Baptist Church, 1530 Demunds Rd., Tunkhannock/Northmoreland Twp., PA with Dr. Glen Spencer, Jr. officiating. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are by Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek. Debbie had a great burden to see children receive a Christian education, so in lieu of flowers, her family asks that memorial contributions be made to Faith Baptist Church to further the ministry of Faith Baptist Academy. Please make donations payable to: Faith Baptist Church, 39 Gaylord Ave., Plymouth, PA 18651.