Mrs. Helen Elizabeth Dodson, Avon, passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, February 5, 2026, having attained the age of 89 years.
Helen was born November 28, 1936, in Indianapolis, Indiana, a daughter of the late William Henry and Mazie Jewel (Hay) Daugherty. She attended and was a proud graduate of Nineveh High School.
Helen devoted more than 25 years of faithful service as the cafeteria manager of School No. 61, Clarence Farrington Elementary School, where she was known for her dedication, kindness, and strong work ethic. Her career reflected her deep care for children and community.
In her leisure time, Helen found great joy in the outdoors. She loved gardening, tending both flowers and vegetables, and spending quiet moments listening to and singing along with her beloved gospel music. Her faith was central to her life, and she attended Eagle Creek Assembly of God, where she also volunteered her time with the church's food pantry.
Helen is survived by her loving daughters, Teressa (Charles) Black, Jane (Jonathan) Knight and Brenda (Stephen) Griffiths; her cherished grandchildren, Sarah Black, Rachel Soltero, Benjamin Griffiths and Isabel Griffiths as well as her sister, Lola (Bill) Crafton.
In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in passing by her beloved husband, J.W. Dodson, and her sisters, Mary Cline and Ilena Long.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Greenwood. Helen will be laid to rest beside her husband following the service at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. There will be no public visitation.
For those choosing to make a memorial contribution, the family has suggested those be offered in Helen's memory to the Alzheimer's Association.