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Claudia Dodson Obituary
She was born August 31, 1941, in Washington D.C., to the late Claude J. and Edna Lane Dodson.
Claudia was also preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Rhea Dodson.
She is survived by her companion, Brenda Langdon of Charlottesville; her sister -in-law, Barbara S. Dodson of Chesterfield; nephew, Kenneth Dodson Jr. and his wife, Vickie, of Montpelier; niece, Debbie Olandt and her husband, Jonathan, and their children, Tripp and Katie Dodson and Jon Scott Olandt. She is also survived by many loving friends.
Claudia graduated from West Hampton College in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education and received her Masters of Science in Physical Education from the University of Tennessee in 1965.
Claudia served as Assistant Director of the Virginia High School League. She was the fourth female nationally employed to be State Association Administrator and the first female in Virginia. She was instrumental with "Title IX" and the advancement of women in high school sports nationally. Claudia was chairperson of the United States Olympic Committee and Women's Basketball Committee. Being the first female to serve on the National Basketball Rules Committee, Claudia was also the Administrative Manager for the United States Olympic Committee National Junior Women's Basketball team tour in Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru. Claudia has served the ACC as a Women's Basketball Officials Observer, is in the Who's Who of American Women as well as the Who's Who of Education, and was cited with the Donald Huff Award by the Washington Post Newspaper. Claudia has been inducted to the Virginia Softball Hall of Fame, the Virginia High School Hall of Fame and the National High School Hall of Fame.
The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 21, 2007, at Teague Funeral Service of Charlottesville, Virginia.
A celebration of life service will be held 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 22, 2007, at the First Presbyterian Church, 500 Park Street, Charlottesville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Claudia L. Dodson Scholarship Fund.
Family and friends may sign the guest register at teaguefuneralhome.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Claudia Dodson
Betsy Thomas
August 24, 2020
Few days pass that I don’t think of Claudia!! She was a very special person!! I would love to know her response to how far women’s athletes has come!! She would be so proud!! RIP my friend!!
Brenda (Gray) Ramos
April 14, 2018
Ms Dodson was my coach at meadowbrook high school. I will mevrt forget her encouragement. She introduced me to Polly Russell and summer ball! If it wasnt for her I never would have made it through high school. She was always positive and she taught us about sportsmanship and doing your best! May God keep her. Thank you for my life. You taught me how to draw on my personal strength and not give up. Also I have two wonderful kids as a result thank you and God Bless.
My sincere condolences toher friends and family.
Judy Vermillion
August 24, 2007
Dear Brenda,
We are sorry for your loss and extend our deepest sympathy.
Judy & Jack Vermillion
Patty Driskill
August 23, 2007
Brenda, I don't expect you to remember me. I taught at Nelson Co. High in the 70s and rented a townhouse in Four Seasons when you and Claudia were living there. We had some very fun times at the bridge table. Claudia taught me what a blue chip stock is. I know she was a very fine woman and you have suffered a great loss.
Sending you heartfelt condolences and gratitude for the inspiration Claudia was and IS for so many.
Patty Driskill
Linda Farmer
August 22, 2007
Brenda, I just learned of Claudia's passing, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and Claudia's family. She will be greatly missed.
Anne Edenfield
August 22, 2007
Brenda, I just heard about Claudia and am stunned. My deepest sympathy for your loss. You are in my thoughts and will continue to be in the days to come. So grateful am I to have had the privilege of meeting the wonderful person Claudia was. What a legacy she left in women's athletics.
August 22, 2007
Brenda, we were so sad to hear of your loss. Our prayers & thoughts are with you.
Bill & Doris Hutchinson
Jeff Hash
August 22, 2007
I met Claudia during the building of her new home. she was a great person to be around. I'm sure knowing her as many did for many years was a blessing. I will miss her.
Joan Hance Mylla Urban
August 22, 2007
Brenda, May the love of friends and family help you through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Joanie and Mylla
Kay Duffy
August 21, 2007
Brenda,My sincere sympathy to you in the loss of claudia. She was an outstanding leader and role model for girls and women in sports.we will miss her smile and laughter. Take care of yourself in the days ahead.
Beverly Haynes
August 21, 2007
I first met Claudia my freshman year at Meadowbrook H.S. She was my favorite teacher and coach, then teammate and friend, and later mentor. Claudia was an extraordinary influence in my life and will always be a part of who I am. I am stunned by the loss of this exceptional woman. My deepest sympathy to all of us who loved her.
Paul and Anna Rognlie
August 21, 2007
Claudia was one in a million, she was always there when you needed her, as our family was well aware of from this past April. Endless caring will never be forgotten. Brenda, our prayers and thoughts are with you and even though we are a few miles up the road, if you need us, just call.
James Early
August 21, 2007
Though we never met, the effects of her life's work are enjoyed by my daughters and the young ladies I work with in Field Hockey.
Margaret Lowry
August 20, 2007
I met Claudia in the late '60's when we played softball in Richmond. She is the reason I became a teacher and coach. She is the reason Virginia has equal opportunities for female athletes, female coaches and female athletic administrators. We have lost a tremendous leader and role model. Her legacy lives on.
Garnett "Garney" Miller
August 20, 2007
Claudia was giant in athletics for Virginia. I had the honor of working the AA State Track Meet with her for 20 years. She was a caring individual who was greatly interested in the athletes that participated in those events. She was missed by the VHSL and now she will be missed by her many friends and colleagues
Judi Ragan
August 20, 2007
What a tremendous influence Claudia had on so many of us in the field hockey world. Never did we call her that she didn't speak with us, never did we go to see her that she didn't have time for us. What a wonderful legacy she has left to each and every young lady who picks up a field hockey stick and every official who picks up a whistle. Thank you Claudia. Brenda, please know that we are thinking of you with sincere fondness and praying that wonderful memories will sustain you at this sad time.
Tomma Todd and Maynard Strickler
August 20, 2007
Brenda, we were truly sadden to hear the news of Claudia's passing. She had a great influence on women's sports and she did a lot for high school athletics. May your fond memories of your time together help you through this trying time.
Kim Hinchey
August 20, 2007
Dearest Brenda, We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you walk through this very sad time. Much love to you, JoBeth, Kim and Heidi
Dale Kirby
August 20, 2007
MY HEART AND SOUL GOES OUT TO MS DODSON,S FAMILY AT THIS DIFFACULT
TIME .SHE WAS A INSTRAMENTAL PERSON
TO ME AND ALWAYS CHARSE HER KINDNESS TOWARD ME AS SHE WORKED IN
OUR BUILDING AT ZEHMER HALL FOR YEARS.
THERE IS A WHOLE IN MY HEART,BUT I KNOW I,LL SEE HERE IN HIS KINGDOM
ONE SPECIAL DAY.
Dale Kirby
'STASH' Stanley
August 20, 2007
Claudia was a diminutive giant for girls and women in sports and an exceptionally talented administrator! She worked endlessly and tirelessly behind the scenes for over 30 years so that girls and young women would have equal opportunity to participate in sports. Claudia lives on through every young female athlete today, and those who follow. We will miss you, Claudia Dodson! We were blessed to have had you in our lives.
Sandra Ray
August 20, 2007
I was sad to hear of Claudia's passing. I knew Claudia in the '70's and always thought she was a great and wonderful person. She was an encouragement to anyone showing interest in sports. I remember her smile and I know she will be sadly missed by all that knew and loved her. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and especially Brenda.
Jerry Walters
August 20, 2007
Claudia was definitely a driving force for all high school athletics and especially the advancement of female athletics. I would just like to express my sympathy to all of her family.
Mary & Ralph Thurston
August 20, 2007
We send our love and sympathy to Claudia's family and friends. She was a truly unique and caring person. Her contributions to Women's Sports have enable so many to play and advance in life that may not have happened. We will miss her and her sense of humor. Love Mary & Ralph
Barbara Blanton
August 20, 2007
Barbara: As you know, Claudia was my high school physical education teacher; I really liked her as a teacher and a person. The last time I saw her was in Church when she came in from Charlottesville and it was a pleasure seeing her after all these years. I know you will miss her greatly.
Betsy Thomas
August 20, 2007
If there was ever one individual who inspired and had an impact on Principals,Athletic Directors, Coaches and student athletes it was Claudia. She was a 'mover and shaker' when it came to women in athletics and she stood up against all who did not think there was a place for women in sports. She inspired those of us to step forward and meet the challenges in those early days. What a legacy she has left. I extend my sincere regrets to her family and Brenda. I will truly miss that wonderful smile and the enormous laughter.
Russell & Judy Douglas
August 20, 2007
Our sincere sympathy to you in the loss of an exceptional lady - we have many fond memories of Brenda and her love for life and sense of humor. We feel fortunate to have known her.
Sabrina Payne
August 20, 2007
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
H&R Block
Pat Austin
August 20, 2007
a true friend to all women and girls in sports. You championed for the rights of others.
Bonnie Nielson
August 20, 2007
We are so very sorry. Claudia was so exceptional in every way. Truly the world has lost one of its stars.
With love and sympathy,
Bonnie and Dennis Nielson
Judith Knight
August 20, 2007
Brenda, I was so sorry to hear about Claudia and know that you will have many lonely days ahead of you. Take comfort in the memories and the fact she is resting with God. Please come to Baltimore to visit, would love to have you. Take
care and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jane Layman
August 20, 2007
Claudia was a trmendous influence in my life as well as all she touched. I can't believe she is gone, however she has left a wonderful legacy!!!!
Susan Rosen
August 20, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and many friends who shared in Claudia's life.
My heart is broken. There are no words to express the loss I feel in Claudia's passing. She was a role model and a friend for over 39 years. She is the reason I became a teacher, and a successful person. Her laugther, smile and uncanny ability to hit the nail on the head for any situaiton will be missed. Simple put Claudia was my mentor and friend! I loved her very much. She will always be with me in mind and spirit.
Sylvia Quick
August 20, 2007
I worked with Claudia at HR Block
for the past few years. It was a
joy to know and work with her. It
is unbelievable that she won't be
with us this year. I used to kid
Claudia that she got me addicted
--to Suduko. I'll think of her
everytime I do a puzzle. My
thoughts and prayers go out to the
family. Claudia will be greatly
missed.
Linda Shumaker
August 20, 2007
I have known Claudia for most of my life and she will be sorely missed by all. She was a wonderful person as well as a great educator. My coldolences go out to Brenda and Claudia's family.
Louise Jones
August 20, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with all who loved Claudia. She was an
extraordinary person. Jackie and I have very fond memories of the light hearted interactions we had with Claudia and Brenda when we lived in
Charlottesville. Claudia will be missed by all who knew her.
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