Lena M. Dodson

Lena Maddera Dodson, 91, of Azle, Texas, passed away on May 19, 2024, at her home in Azle. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be John Bickham. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 24, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Taylor Co. Texas, on April 16, 1933, she was the daughter of Clint Maddera and Pearlie Bryan Maddera. Lena was not just a woman of many talents; she was a light for her family and friends. Her love for puzzle books reflected her sharp mind and insatiable curiosity. Her greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren, who were the apple of her eye. In the kitchen, Lena was a master chef. Her recipes will be treasured and passed down for years to come. A lover of old westerns, Lena delighted in the tales of adventure and courage depicted on screen. The thread of creativity ran deep in Lena's life as she poured her heart into sewing. A master seamstress, her skilled hands crafted beautiful creations.
Her dedication extended beyond her passions as she devoted herself to work at Shangri-La Botanical Gardens and volunteered selflessly at the Lutcher Theatre in Orange. Lena was also a member of First Baptist Church since the 1960’s and worked as a Sunday School teacher there for many years. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 35 years, Edgar P. Dodson; her son, Paul Dodson; and her sisters, Ludy Maddera and Sue Maddera. 

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Jones and husband, Kenny; her grandchildren, Tyler Ryan Whitmire, Laura Nicole Backer, Jordan Paul Dodson, Brandon Ray Dodson, and Joe Jones; her great-grandchild, Allison Marie Backer; her brother, Buddy Maddera; and numerous other loving family members and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Joe Jones, Kenny Jones, Brandon Dodson, Jordan Dodson, and Tyler Whitmire.