Jean Elizabeth Dodson

Jean Elizabeth Dodson was born in San Jose, California, to Wilfred and Sylvia Goodwin, one of a set of twins, with sister Joan. The girls were given the middle names Elizabeth and Margaret, after England's princesses. Little sister Judy came along six years later, on the same birthdate. Wilfred, who immigrated from England with his brothers, and Sylvia, who was born in Minnesota of Swedish stock, played together in a dance band called the Harmony Herders. Wilfred had played in dance bands on cruise liners in the 1930's and knew 5000 songs by heart. Eventually the family moved to Capitola, California and the three girls were able to join in on the fun. The Goodwin Family - "A Family of Performers" - performed and entertained with music and dance at such events as Capitola's Begonia Festival, and for the USO. Jean's sister Joan was a very fine pianist, so the twins also performed as a violin/piano duo. The girls attended Santa Cruz High School and this is where Phil Dodson entered the picture. Jean and Joan were both in the orchestra, Jean first chair violin and Joan on oboe. Phil was first chair cello, so Jean and Phil would 'make eyes' across the podium. The three of them formed a performing trio called "The Picklesteins" - Jean on violin, Phil on cello, and Joan on piano. Phil being Phil, their recitals always ended up being a light-hearted show.

After graduation, Jean and Phil headed down to Los Angeles to attend Biola University. They were married in 1957, and loved each other for 67 years. They graduated from Biola in 1960, both with Bachelors of Music degrees. Jean and Phil went on to complete a year of graduate work at University of Redlands, Jean following with a year of graduate work at the USC Thornton School of Music, where she studied violin with Eudice Shapiro. Phil, meanwhile, was recruited by Dr. John Lavender in 1961 to become the new Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Bakersfield on Truxton Ave. So they packed up the grand piano to start their new life in the valley. Jean joined the Bakersfield Symphony and held the post of Assistant Concertmaster for the next 50 years until her retirement, where soon after, her daughter Donna took her place. Jean also taught violin and piano lessons during this time, as well as managing and sitting as concertmaster of the orchestras that Phil used for his choral programs. Jean was the consummate musician and knew by heart hundreds of songs - you name it, she could play it.

Phil retired after 38 years at First Baptist, but Jean continued to enjoy teaching her students, who adored her. Jean and Phil were able to enjoy their mountain cabin in Sugarloaf Mountain Park above Glennville from May to October every year during this time, as well as taking many trips around the western US with their travel trailer. They moved to Rosewood in 2018, where they enjoyed their garden apartment, and continued to travel up to their cabin for the summer months. Unfortunately, Jean's health had begin to decline and visiting the cabin became more difficult. Together, they moved to the Assisted Living floor at Rosewood, where Jean had excellent care up until her passing.

Jean is survived by sisters Joan Purswell of Seattle and Judy Mapes of Watsonville, son Eric Dodson and wife Lorene of Tehachapi, daughter Donna Fraser and husband Craig of Paso Robles, granddaughters Jordyn and Hannah Dodson, grandson Simon Fraser, and great-granddaughter Alice Patterson. She is also survived by her beautiful border collie, Duffy. Jean is beloved by her savior Lord, Jesus Christ, and served Him by ministering through music his love to many.

Jean's Celebration of Life service will take place on March 15th, 10 AM, at Valley Baptist Church - Olive Drive campus. 5500 Olive Dr, Bakersfield, CA. Donations in her memory to go to The Great Organ restoration fund, c/o Valley Baptist.