Jean Dodd’s two great passions were children and church, say family and friends.
After graduating from Morris Brown College in 1954, Dodd became an elementary school teacher. She taught for 30 years, the majority of which were with Atlanta Public Schools.
“She was a very competent teacher in Atlanta Public Schools,” said Ruth Pace, who had known Dodd since they met at Morris Brown in 1952. Dodd also tutored students outside of school. “The parents were very impressed with her and trusted her. Teachers knew how competent she was,” said Pace.
Dodd was outspoken and always dressed her best, said her sister Loretta Albrittian. She loved teaching and serving others.
Jean C. Dodd, 83, of Atlanta, died June 10 at Sadie G. Mays nursing home. She died of complications from Alzheimer’s. A memorial service was held June 17 at Cascade United Methodist Church.
Dodd continued to serve others and her community after she retired from teaching. In the 1990s, Dodd represented district five on the Atlanta Board of Education. Friends say she cared deeply for the children of APS and did everything she could to make sure new policies put the students first. “You never had to worry about her having a personal agenda,” said friend and fellow board member Brenda Muhammad. “Her agenda specifically was for children.”
Dodd was sometimes criticized for micromanagement and not following school board protocol, but Muhammad said that everything Dodd did was for the students of Atlanta Public Schools. “She did all that she could, not only as a board member, but as a human being, a former teacher, to … make sure all children were treated fairly and to make sure they received the kind of education that they deserved.”
Before attending Cascade United Methodist Church, Dodd was active at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church. She was an usher and sang in the choir, and she taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school classes. “She was a devout Christian. She loved God. She loved teaching her children about God and how to live godly lives,” said Pace, her longtime friend.
If Dodd wasn’t thinking about the school district, she was thinking about her church, said Muhammad. “Not only was she physically beautiful. She had a beautiful spirit,” she said. “We all know somebody like Jean Dodd. There’s a Jean Dodd in every school.”
In addition to her sister Loretta Albrittian, of Atlanta, Dodd is survived by three grandchildren.
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