Betty Marie Dod Obituary (1936 - 2013)

On June 4th, 1936, the world was introduced to Betty Marie Wilson. Betty lived a happy and memorable life to the ripe age of 76. Betty had four children, Wilt Junior, Christie, David, and Debbie. Along with her children, Betty had six grandchildren and had the privilege to be a living great grandmother as well. Betty married Wilton Frederick Dod on 3/19/60 and began their 53 year long journey as a happily married family. Mrs. Dod was a teacher for Eastwood Hill Elem. School, Robinson Elem. School, Lee's Summit School District #7, and Blue Springs Junior High. She had been recognized consistently throughout her career as a teacher of excellence with numerous awards to her name, most notably the Excellence in Teaching awards in Great Kansas City. She received her Associate's Degree at Kansas City Junior College in '56, her Bachelor of Science in Education at Central Missouri State University, and earned her Master's Degree in reading at UMKC. Aside from her educational successes as a teacher, Betty participated in numerous organizations with memberships in Professional, Philanthropic, and Civic groups. Betty was Vice President and President for the Lake Lotawana Civic Club, League of Women Voters, Lyric Opera Women's Guild, At Home with Opera, Community Educator's Association, and Missouri State Teacher's Association. She served one term as Vice President as the Charter member of Blue Springs and two terms as President for the Area Council of the International Reading Association. She served on State Committees for the Member of Missouri Chapter of International Reading Association, International Reading Association, and the National Council of Teachers of English. Betty was presented the Perfect Attendance Award presented at teachers' recognition dinner by the Blue Springs School District in 1985. In 1987, the International reading Association Honors Council Award was presented for the first time to Blue Springs Area Council, the award was presented to Betty from the President of International Reading Association and was presented the International Reading Association President's Award for increase of membership. Betty's active voluntary work in giving back to the community didn't stop her when she, her husband, and grandson, Joshua, moved to Houston, Texas in 1995. Betty was an active home school teacher in the CCISD school district for middle school and high school students in math and reading. She was also a regular art instructor and participant at numerous art studios the greater Clear Lake area. Near the end of Betty's life, she was known for reciting the story and dressing the part of 'The Velveteen Rabbit' by Margery Williams to groups, classrooms, and family occasions for its heartfelt storytelling and message. Betty Marie Dod was a polio survivor and her success story can be attributed to her good natured, and compassionate qualities as a thoughtful human being. She has been described as lots of wonderful adjectives, but the most common that you would find amongst friends and family is loving, caring, kind, and an angel. She was always willing to giving a helping hand especially to her neighbors. Her presence and love will be missed by all who knew her. Guests are invited to share in the Celebration of Life Visitation for Mrs. Betty Dod from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday, May 18th, 2013 and 6 - 8pm Monday, May 20th, 2013 at Carnes Funeral Home -Texas City, TX, 3100 Gulf Freeway, Texas City, Texas 77591.