Jean (Swofford) Dodge

Jean Swofford Dodge, age 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 9th, 2024. Jean's final days had her surrounded by loved ones and friends. She was a cherished mom to Kim (Pat) Johnston, Todd (Elizabeth) Dodge, and Donna (Michael) Oliver. She was beloved Granjean to her grandchildren, Sarah Johnston, Anna (Tyler) Boykin, Riley (Alexis) Dodge, Molly Dodge Kuenstler, Jackson Oliver and Flora Oliver. Jean also leaves behind six precious great-grandchildren, Tate, Landry, Blakely and Charlotte Dodge, Warren Dodge Kuenstler, and Johnston Boykin. Jean was born in Columbia, Missouri on February 6, 1938, the middle daughter of Donald and Louise Swofford. She is survived by brother, Dudley (Margaret) Swofford and baby sister, Sarah (Sally) Swofford as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jean is preceded in death by her parents as well as her husband of 44 years, Rev. Donald Carter Dodge and her older sister Margaret (Peggy) Mason.

Jean was raised in Honduras and returned to the states to attend San Marcos Baptist Academy for secondary education. Friendships that were forged in Central America and then at San Marcos would bring her joy throughout her lifetime. Jean and her sister often traveled to Chiquita gatherings where they loved to dance, reminisce, and celebrate times with lifelong friends. She spoke Spanish fluently and loved to surprise others with her perfect native accent. She loved to converse with anyone willing to speak to her in this language.

Jean obtained higher education through Stephens College, UT Tyler, University of Houston and Stephen F Austin State University, where she was awarded degrees in elementary and secondary education. Her husband, Don, was a Methodist minister with regular moves, affording the opportunity to teach children from early childhood through high school - an incredible blessing. She taught elementary school in Sand Hill, Chireno, Garrison, Spring Branch, Port Arthur, Rockdale, Slocum and secondary in West Orange, Longview, Omaha/Naples and Grand Saline. Her passion for learning and working with young people paved the way for a remarkable career of over 30 years in education. Jean was the teacher students remember and hold dear and many have shared Mrs. Dodge stories over the last few years.

Jean always dreamed of living near her siblings, and she got her wish when she and Don retired to Marshall. Many new friends were made as they enjoyed worship at Summit and First United Methodist churches. The couple embraced the opportunity to adventure around the US and even Europe. Not long after Don passed, Jean moved to Nacogdoches to live closer to her youngest grandchildren. The Newcomers welcomed her, and she became involved in community events, church activities at First United Methodist Nacogdoches, Retired Teachers Association, and played in two bridge clubs. Jean loved card games, reading novels, taking photographs, dancing and visiting family. In her later years she lived near her eldest daughter and was cherished by her friends at Affectionate Care.

Jean simply loved people and was devoted to her family. Family holidays were important to her, and she loved seeing everyone gathered. She loved family reunions and being able to "pick up where you left off" with both friends and family. She was never happier than when she was attending her son's or grandson's football games, cheering and keeping statistics at her granddaughters' volleyball games. Whatever the children and grandchildren chose to participate; acting, dancing, swimming, running, graduating, marrying ..., Granjean was "all in."

Jean Swofford Dodge had a smile that warmed your heart because you could tell it came from her soul and that it was being given especially to you. She will forever be remembered for bringing joy, love, and laughter into our lives. Her memory will be cherished, her example followed, and her spirit will live on through the love she instilled in all of us. A remarkable woman, who has left an indelible mark on this world, and for that, we are eternally grateful.

The family would like to acknowledge Bridget Deckard, Dominique Harris, Christa Nolasco, Osazuwa Ken (Ken), Ini Ipke, Christina Levine and Alisio Levine as some of the incredible people that took special, loving care of Jean in her later years.

Funeral services for Jean Swofford Dodge will be at 10 am, Saturday, June 22, 2024, at First United Methodist Church Nacogdoches with Rev. Lorraine Brown officiating.

Visitation will occur prior to the service at 9 am. There will be a small burial service to follow at 3 pm in Marshall, Texas at Colonial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan's Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite 425, Dallas, TX 75251.