Dodds

Phyllis Jean Lightsey Dodds, 74, of Rockdale, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, May 12, 2023.

Mrs. Dodds

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 20, at Forest Grove Christian Church in Rockdale. A time of fellowship with friends and family will follow at the church.

Phyllis was born to Claude and Inez Lightsey on Dec. 4, 1948, in Rockdale.

She graduated from Rockdale High School, went on to become a LVN and served her community with love for many years.

Before graduating high school, she met the love her life, Buddy Dodds. They shared a life of absolute devotion to each other, and their family, for the last 57 years.

Phyllis or “Nini” to her grandbabies, was a fun loving, adventurous, and full-of-life personality, who loved her family fiercely. Throughout her life, she kept her youthful spirit, and she never lost her desire to try new things.

She cherished quality time with her siblings, and loved to try out new recipes with family members, especially Buddy.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her father, Claude Lightsey; beloved mother, Inez Lightsey; brother James Lightsey; and sons Michael E. Dodds and Douglas Neal Dodds.

She is survived by her loving husband, William E. “Buddy” Dodds; son Phillip Joseph “Joey” Dodds and wife Margo; nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; sister Joyce Bankston and husband George; sister Janice Keen and husband Jimmy; brother Steve Lightsey and wife Janie; brother Ronnie Lightsey and wife Lott; brother and sisters-in-law, Joyce, Bonnie, Linda, Thomas, Ann, and Sandra; and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Her absence is already felt among those who knew her, and she will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forest Grove Christian Church.

Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, P.O. Drawer 1417, Rockdale, TX 76567, 512-446-5454.