Elaine Williamson Dodgen

Elaine Williamson Dodgen, of Dallas, TX, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2020. She was born September 26, 1935, in Beaumont, TX, to C.A. and Edna Jo Williamson. She was married for 44 years to Jack Dodgen. The two met at the University of Texas, where Jack worked for the Daily Texan and Elaine was a "co-ed". They were married in 1959, and in 1961 moved to Rochester, NY. Elaine worked for Mass Mutual Insurance while Jack completed his degree at the Rochester Institute of Technology. In 1965, the couple moved to Denver, CO. While in Denver, Elaine gave birth to her first child, son Jack Jr. In 1967, the young family moved to Rockledge, FL, where daughter Carol completed the family in 1969. While in Rockledge, Elaine raised children while she began part time studies toward a college degree.

When the family moved to Coral Springs, Florida, Elaine returned to the professional world as an executive assistant for the City of Coral Springs. She excelled in her job and could easily type well over 100 words per minute and could take blindingly quick short hand. She transcribed all the city council meetings and was always very interested in municipal politics in her town.

Several years later, the empty nest couple moved Boynton Beach, FL, where they later retired. After Jack passed away in 2004, Elaine moved to Dallas to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Elaine loved to spend time with her grandchildren whether it was going to the movies or watching them play sports. A passionate believer in the power of education, Elaine began her studies at Brevard Community College in 1970. Through years of moving across the country, she never lost her passion or discipline and continued to pursue her degree. She finally graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in History from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 1998. Elaine was active in Bible Study Fellowship for many years; she loved to study God's word. She helped in the hospitality ministry at Wilshire by delivering church flowers to sick church members. She was also a mentor at the local elementary school. Elaine was known for her sharp wit, and loved to joke around with her family. Above all, she loved the Lord and was passionate about sharing the plan of salvation with people she knew.

Elaine is survived by her children Jack Dodgen Jr. (Laura) and Carol Dodgen, grandchildren Katherine and Grant Dodgen, Jonathan Brandt, Spencer Hall, and Cynthia Hebert, sisters Carmen Williamson Cudd, Ann Williamson Turner and brother Don Williamson. She was preceded in death by husband of 44 years Jack Dodgen, sisters Eloise Williamson Newhard and Mildred Williamson Kyle.

Elaine valued education highly and was an avid believer in a woman's power to achieve anything. She instilled these beliefs in her children during a time when these values were atypical. She was very proud of raising two children to be self sufficient with college degrees. To honor her passion for women's education, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Elaine Dodgen Scholarship Fund. This will provide scholarships for women pursuing careers in traditionally male dominated fields.

Elaine will be buried next to her late husband on Thursday, June 25, at Sparkman Hillcrest Cemetery. There will be a celebration of her life at First Baptist Church of Richardson.