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Dr. Bernice Stephens Dodd

Bernice Dodd Obituary

Bernice Stephens Dodd March 17, 1939- October 17, 2006 OMAHA, NE— Dr. Bernice Stephens Dodd was born March 17, 1939 and was the seventh child of seven to the late Herbert and Lillie B. (Moore) Stephens. On October 17, 2006 in Omaha, Nebraska after a brief illness, she peacefully entered eternal rest into the Hands of Jesus. She received her early education in Phenix City and Russell County school systems. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Alabama State University and a Master's and Doctorate Degrees from the University of Nebraska. At an early age, Bernice joined the Mount Olive Baptist Church under Rev. Henry Harris. In Omaha, Bernice found a church home at the Salem Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. Dr. J.C. Wade, Sr. was the Pastor. She was always involved in many church and community activities. She served on the Trustee Board, Salem Inspirational Recording Choir, the Voices of Victory, the Bread of Life Speech Choir, Board of Directors, J.W. Wade Manor, a member of the Contemporary Bible Sunday School Class, and a former director of the Salem Nursery Program, and a Parent's Advisory of Salem Stepping Saints Drill Team. She also served with the Minister's Wives Council and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Dodd's community leadership brought her numerous awards and honors and recognition for outstanding dedication and commitment to service. Bernice Dodd became President/CEO of the Omaha OIC (Opportunities and Industrialization Center) in 1971 and remained at the helm for 35 years. "Dr. Bernice Dodd generated millions in tax paying trainees to Omaha's economy," as stated by a local Omaha newspaper. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of thirty years, Rev. Dr. William Dodd; one sons, Charod D. Dodd of Starkville, MS.; one daughter, Charese Dodd of Omaha; two brothers, Herman Stephens (Joyce), Emmit Stephens (Carrie); two sisters, Florence Williams, and Annie Underwood (Lemmie), all of Phenix City, AL.; one brother in law, Wilfred Dodd (Sandy) of Sugarland, TX.; two aunts, Eva Williams of Phenix City, AL. and Johnnie Lewis of Detroit, MI.; two godsons, Kumara Bartee and Collin McCain-Stone; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. Funeral services will be held at the Mount Olive Baptist Church on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 1 p.m. Rev. Samuel Johnson will be officiating. Burial in Stephens Cemetery, Phenix City, AL.

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Published by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on Oct. 25, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernice Dodd

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Bill Johnson

May 25, 2007

To the family of Dr. Dodd, it is now many months since her death that I'm learning of your loss. She was a great friend and while I had not seen her for many years I remember the wonderful lady that she was.

Cheryl Dacus-Hubbard & Family

February 23, 2007

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.

Rhonda Hill & Family

November 13, 2006

Mrs. Dodd, I cannot remember my life without you. You have always been a wealth of information, A sound source, a be-loved family friend, and one of the greatest women I have ever met. Your presence in my life will leave an immeasurealbe mark of excellence that will remain the rest of my life. I thank you for your words of wisdom, hope, and encouragements throughout my life. A part of you will live on in everyone that knew you, for you were a angel without wings.

Till we meet again your friend,
Rhonda

Collin McCain Stone

November 13, 2006

God-Mom,
Our time on this earth together was very breif, however if I had a lifetime with you I am sure I would have been blessed to be in your presence, as many others have been. One year was not enough, but was long enough to feel the warmth of your love. Thanks for loving me, and always showing your love through the thoughfulness of your gifts. I thank you for leaving me my God-sister and brother, I know you will shine through them.

I will miss you.
Your God-Son Collin McCain Stone

Jurnee Monet Thompson

November 13, 2006

To My Aunt Bernice, I will always remember you taking me, and my God-Mother to Dinner every Sunday, and to Goodrich for icecream. Remember, me, you, and Charese's favorite flavor is vanilla. You took me to T.J. Maxx to find nice things often, and I will miss our times together. I will also miss your face in the chour, and praise team, and most of all..I will miss you.

Love, Jurnee

Joyce Hadley

November 13, 2006

I have tried my best to imagine my life without the enriching experience of knowing you and your family for the past 23 years. From fashion shows, pagents, holidays, kids summer program, trip to Disney World, Church affiliations, and any other time and place through the years we have shared. You and your family have always lite up our lives. With Christ being the cornerstone of our relationship and love steering us on, our family has been greatly blessed to have known you and your family. May God continually bless your family, and may you rest in the peace that passes all understanding.

Love always, Joyce and the rest of the Hadley Family

Gloria Jakes Jones

November 3, 2006

May God Bless and keep you all, during the Homegoing celebration of your loved one. May God lift your burden right now in the name of Jesus.God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think Amen.

Lonnie Mills

October 28, 2006

To Bill Dodd and Stephens Family, may god be with you during this time of sorrow. Bernice was a strong, courageous and determined woman, Omaha will miss her dearly. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work with her and befriend her. She was very instrumental in helping me to acheive career and personal accomplishments. Her strong determination and christian devotion are qualities she shared with all who knew her well. My prayer is that we meet again in God's Kingdom.

MYRA WILLIAMS-HILL

October 26, 2006

TO THE DODD AND STEPHENS FAMILIES....I PRAY THAT YOU WILL ALL FIND COMFORT IN THE LOVING MEMORIES OF A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN, WIFE, MOTHER, SISTER, AUNTIE AND FRIEND. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU.

Mertisteen Stephens-Ball

October 25, 2006

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Bradford Lyles

October 25, 2006

To the Dodd ans Stephen families my deepest sympathies in your loss. My prayers are with your families.

Alice Lucas

October 23, 2006

May the love of Jesus give you the strength to make it through this trying time. If you take a walk down memory lane you have many precious memories. She was a wonderful person with a beautiful Spirit and loved very much. Remember, earth hath no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. God bless you all.
Love from the Bobby Lucas Family

DIANE THOMAS

October 23, 2006

May God Bless the Family of Dr. Dodd. The Omaha Community is a better place because of Bernice Dodd and her never ending committment to helping people. Rest in Peace my Friend!!!!

Cheryl Dacus-Hubbard

October 23, 2006

We extend our deepest symphathy in your time of sorrow. Stay strong mourn for now but celebrate her life forever. She was a bright refreshing spirit of life and always a smile on her face. We will miss her.

Jewel (Baugus) Gay

October 23, 2006

To the Family of our Sister in Christ, Dr. Bernice Dodd:
May you find comfort in knowing that many are praying for you during this time of separation. Our hope is in the promises of God.
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.(Psalm 147:3) Stand firm in the faith, and in due time we will see our loved ones again. And so shall we ever be with the Lord!
My life was blessed and enriched by Dr. Bernice Dodd. I remember the first time that I was in her presence ... over 35 years ago. As our lives merged years later we were able to walk this path of life together as sisters in Christ for many years. Her humble and kind spirit is worthy of admiration.

Gloria Rodgers

October 23, 2006

Dr. Dodd was a beautiful woman both inside and out. I will miss her soft gentle manner and sweet smile.

Quiana Smith

October 23, 2006

She will be missed. She was leader and I always viewed her as a lady with her "stuff together!". God Bless the family and her dear friends. Sincerly, Quiana Smith New York, NY

Cynethia Hawthorne-Belton

October 23, 2006

Dr. Dodd leaves a tremendous legacy, and she will be greatly missed. It is comforting, however, to know that to be "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." May God bless with His peace and comfort during this time.

Vivian Jenkins Nelsen

October 22, 2006

Dear Dodd Family,
Bernice and I worked together many years ago at the Omaha Women's Job Corps where we were close friends. My mother, Beatrice Jenkins, and I send you our condolences. Bernice was a bright star whose light shone too briefly. We will miss her.

Doug and Brittney Denard

October 22, 2006

Hey family. It's always hard to lose a loved one, but Auntie Bernice will never be forgotten. See you all when you get here.

Mark Foxall

October 22, 2006

To the Family of Dr. Bernice Dodd,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of one who has given so much to this community. Her inspiration lives on in the lives of those she touched.

Eric Whitner

October 22, 2006

I am very sorry about your loss. Dr Dodd changed the Omaha community, especially the workforce like no other. Her contributions will live on forever.
She will be sorely missed, and will now have to do her good deeds from heaven.

Rick Slezak

October 22, 2006

Dr. Dodd was a dedicated pioneer in Omaha in getting needed help to unemployed and underemployed individuals, regardless of their color. I was honored to work with her and for her. She is dearly missed.

Vicky Baker

October 22, 2006

To the Dodd Family,
may God hold you close and comfort you, in your time of sorrow.

Gwen Basden

October 21, 2006

To the Dodd family: I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My family has known Dr. Dodd for many years. I will include you in my prayers.

Lou Ann Riggers-Phillips

October 21, 2006

I pray God's continued comfort during your loss.

Jason (Sleepy) Walton

October 21, 2006

To the Dodd family:
I extend my deepest symphathy in your time of sorrow. Stay strong mourn for now but celebrate her life forever.

Milita L Hill

October 21, 2006

I am so sorry for your loss..Dr Dodd and family; I called her my aunt because I love and respect her so much. I used to come down to O.O.I.C at night to come talk to her and listen to her good wisdom..I haft to agree with Sister Woods about that contagious smile...I never told her "no" even if I was tired, I respected her to the utmost..I miss her so much and I am still shocked..I remember I had to speak for a couple of engagements in her place because she was very busy and it was too much..I told her I was not much of a speaker, but she believed in me anyway and told me I could do it and I did. Thank you so much and she will deeply be missed by a lot of people by our Salem Family and Our Community!!! She was a rare jewel...Her journey on earth is complete; now she can rest..No more worries Aunt Bernice and no more Pain!!!! I love you!!!

Marlene Sellers

October 21, 2006

Dear Bill and family,
My sincere sympathy to all of you. When the Lord takes a loved one, he leaves wonderful memories for us to hold on to. May you find comfort in these memories and His love and care. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Marlene (Rhodus) Sellers

CNA CLASS OF OICC

October 21, 2006

We are indeed sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Dodd. My regrets to the family.

Essie Porter

October 21, 2006

Thanks to Dr. Dodd for the years of memory. My regrets for your loss

Tonja Marshall

October 20, 2006

To The Dodd Family,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Dr B. Dodd will never be forgotton. The Dodd family is in my family's hearts and prayers. God Bless.

Gloria Menyweather-Woods

October 20, 2006

So very sorry to hear of your loss. Dr.Dodd had a contagious smile and personality. It was hard to say NO to her. She was a warrior and left her mark on the Omaha Community and the World. It can never be said that she did not help people. She will be missed.
God Bless you in this hour.

Evangelist Minister Sharon Nance

October 20, 2006

To my Pastor and First Lady;
I am so sorry to hear of our loss. She will trully be missed. The memories of Branches of Faith Fashion Show and O.O.I.C. We love you all very much. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Remember the Joy of the Lord is your strength...God Bless You and strengthen you all..

Sharon Nance & Family
Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church
Lincoln, Nebraska

Bev Prince-Muhammad

October 20, 2006

To the Dodd Family, I am very sorry to hear of you loss. It was such a blessing to know Dr. Dodd. I will be praying for your strength.
Bev Prince Muhammad

Dan Harris

October 20, 2006

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

Khalid Kamal

October 20, 2006

Sending much love and condolences to the family, may God have Mercy on her Soul and rest her in peace.

Dr. Kamal and family

Larry L. Chandler

October 20, 2006

To the Dodd Family. We will miss the pleasant smile of Bernice and the beautiful personality she greeted all people. We offer our sincere condolences and prayers in the loss of your wife, mother, sister, church member and friend. May God continue to comfort the family now and forever. The Larry Chandler Family

Gail Edwards

October 20, 2006

Dr. Bernice Dodd, a strong and beautiful woman - inside and out, a pioneer. Omaha will miss her dedication, her pride, and her smile. It was a blessing to have known her. She was someone you could look up to. May God continue to bless the Dodd family.

Yvonne Grayson

October 20, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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