Shirley A. Dodson

Shirley A. Dodson, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 12, 2025, while in the care of her family. Shirley was 86 years of age.

Born Sunday, November 13, 1938 in Ashland, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Ralph and Helen (Cooke) Hess. Shirley was also predeceased by; brother, Richard Hess.

Surviving are: her loving husband of 67 years, Paul C. Dodson; sons, Jim Dodson and his wife Liz of Summit Hill; Kenny Dodson and his wife Norma of York; and daughters, Debi Dodson of Tamaqua; Bonnie Dodson-Burk and husband Thomas Burk of Pittsburgh. Shirley was blessed with 6 grandchildren, Justin Brock, Beth Dodson, Jenna Heim, Jessica Brock, Olivia Burk, and Andrew Burk; and great grandchild Madelyn “MJ” Boles who affectionately called her; "Gammy the Great."; brother, Larry Hess. Many nieces and nephews also survive Shirley.

A graduate of Benton Joint High School in Benton, PA, “Miss Shirley” provided in-home child care services for countless Tamaqua youth and later worked at a child-care center in town. A devoted member of Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church of Tamaqua, Shirley served as Treasurer for many years, assisted in the nursery school, taught Bible School, and did many taskswithout fanfare. As a member of Tamaqua Area Community Faith Fellowship Network, Shirley assisted in organizing hunger walks and food collections.

 Shirley was extremely intelligent, quick-witted, and never hesitated to speak her mind. She and Paul enjoyed concerts, plays, visiting with family and friends, playing cards, and - of course - watching their favorite respective baseball teams.

A Celebration of Shirley's Life will be held on Saturday January 18, 2025, at 11:30 A.M. from Bethany E.C. Church located at 223 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. Family and friends may call in church beginning at 10:00 A.M. until the time of services.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550.

Memorials in honor of Shirley in care of Bethan E.C.C. 

Online condolences or a fond memory of Shirley may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.