Joann (Thompson) Dodson

DODSON, JOANN (THOMPSON), 68, of Louisville, died suddenly, Friday, September 19, 2008.

JoAnn was born in Little Rock, AR, on July 14, 1940. She was an ardent library supporter and served as the treasurer of the Friends of the St. Matthews-Eline Library, a natural extension of her lifelong love of books, literacy, and learning. JoAnn was also a longtime member of Compassionate Friends of Louisville, where she made many dear friends and helped countless parents. She also served on the Board of the Suicide Prevention and Education Center. JoAnn was an active volunteer and 30-year member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church.

JoAnn touched the lives of many with her generosity, wit, and kindness. She was a devoted wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, and a loyal friend. Her strength, intelligence, grace, and creativity were inspirational to everyone who knew her. Her greatest passion in life was her family, and she was a selfless caregiver at heart, with infinite tenderness and compassion.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her loving son, Frank E. Dodson IV, and her parents, William A. and Autrefus Thompson.

She is survived by her husband, Frank E. Dodson III, of Louisville; her daughters, Heather Boone (Mike), of Louisville and Amy Dodson of Palm Springs, CA; her grandchildren, Michael and Lauren Boone, of Louisville; her sisters, Nancy McCoy (Walter) of Hernando, FL, and Marcia Porterfield (Robert), of Canton, MI; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 330 N. Hubbards Lane, at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Visitation: 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Monday, Pearson's Funeral Home, 149 Breckinridge Lane.

Charitable donations can be made to The Friends of St. Matthews Eline Library or Arkansas School for the Deaf 2400 West Markham Little Rock, AR. 72205