Jeff Dodson Obituary

Jeff Dodson

Redding, CA

May 17, 1958 – Aug. 14, 2015

Russell Jefferson "Jeff" Dodson, of Redding, Calif., entered the presence of Christ on Friday, Aug. 14, at Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto, due to complications following open-heart surgery. He was 57.

Jeff was born on May 17, 1958, in Oakland, Calif., the youngest of three sons. After graduating from Acalanes High School in Lafayette, he earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Simpson College in San Francisco (now Simpson University in Redding). There he met and married Yvonne "Vonnie" Collord, on July 11, 1981.

Jeff and Vonnie moved to Southern California, where Jeff received his master's in choral conducting at Azusa Pacific University. They then served in worship ministries at several California churches over a period of more than 30 years: Arcadia Union Church; Grace Bible Church in Arroyo Grande; Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto; and Neighborhood Church, First Presbyterian Church, and St James Lutheran Church, all in Redding. During those years, Jeff returned to Simpson University to complete his music teaching credential and taught in various schools in Redding and Bay Area school districts.

Jeff was known for his broad appreciation of music in nearly all genres, his culinary expertise, his love of gardening and his off-beat sense of humor. He loved improvising on the piano and being part of a jam session. He enjoyed discussing theology and the Word of God in both spiritual and historical contexts. He had a special way with children, loved to hold babies, and nothing brought him more joy than being with his two grandchildren, Courage and Kairos. He considered his children his "best work" in collaboration with the Lord.

Jeff is predeceased by his brother, Mark; his mother, Ann; and his father, Jeff. He is survived by his devoted family: His wife, Vonnie, daughter Bethany (Preston) Hall of Fargo, N.D., and grandsons Courage and Kairos; son Jared and daughter Hillary of Redding; brother Peter and wife Ferneyn of La Honda, Calif., and their three sons, Jacob, Peter and Timothy.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Sept. 6, at 3 p.m. at Neighborhood Church, 777 Loma Vista Way, in Redding. All are welcomed to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to the Advancement Office, Simpson University, 2211 College View Drive, Redding, CA 96003, clearly marked "Jeff Dodson Memorial." Those gifts will supplement the Collord Family Graduate Scholarship Fund.

Please sign the guestbook at http://obits.redding.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Redding Record Searchlight on Sep. 1, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeff Dodson

12 Entries

September 5, 2015

Dear Vonnie, Mark and I won't make it to the service but we will hold you in our prayers. Scripture says we grieve but not as those without hope. You have displayed that hope and confidence in the Lord through this very difficult time of Jeff's illness and going home to be with the Lord he loves. God gifted Jeff tremendously, I always enjoyed his leading in worship when you were in AG. Sincerely,
Lynne Watje

Curtis Sharpe

September 5, 2015

Dear Vonnie: Mary Beth and I are so moved by the many expressions of love and appreciation for Jeff! Our journey did not have the joy of knowing him, and I see now that was our loss. Your faithfulness in expressing God's Love and constant protection has again lifted my spirit. We mourn with you and rejoice in the life of Jeff, Well lived and now being told by our Creator, "Well done, My Child, you have been so faithful, enter into my presence!" Many blessings to you and your family,

September 3, 2015

Dear Vonnie. I followed and prayed for Jeff's journey to the Kingdom on Facebook through Julie Savage. So many wonderful memories of you both in choir at Grace. love and peace to you Nancy (Dick) David

Cherri Jenkins

September 3, 2015

Jeff was a great friend and introduced me to his beloved ,Vonnie, who then became a dear friend as well. You both mean so much to me.
Cherri Jenkins

Jerry Shannon

September 2, 2015

Dear Vonnie and Family

I remember first meeting you and Jeff at breakfast in a cafe in LA as we were hoping to call to our church in Arroyo Grande. We did, you came, and it was a wonderful experience. You are great folks and I wish I had more of you. Heaven is for that, I suppose. You have my deepest condolences.

September 2, 2015

The sweet memory of Jeff loving my friend Vonnie will forever be seared upon my memory. Lliving with Vonnie sand watching her college sweetheart become her husband brings me to tears now as Jff will be so missed by Vonnie and their three children, and grandchildren. I also knew Peter and am in deep sorrow for his loss. Loosing a sibling is not something I ever want to face. Our hearts go out to all who have had the pleasure of enjoying him throughout his life. YOU will be missed!!!

Renee (Kaiserling) Barnes

September 2, 2015

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Carolyn Thom

September 2, 2015

Peter and I appreciate so much the worship experiences we have had at Grace Bible Church in Arroyo Grande under Jeff's leadership. We have missed your family these past several years but continue to worship at GBC in the same sweet spirit. Our heartfelt condolences go out to each one in your family. If you ever want to visit AG, contact me for a place to stay. Love you all.

Robin Grimm

September 1, 2015

Still planning on giving you that hug in person. Wish Redding were possible for Jeff's Memorial this weekend. I am comforted to know that you will be surrounded by family and friends. He was my only choir director. HoHoHo Hosanna, HaHa Halleluia, HeHeHe He saved me...

Ron Basye

September 1, 2015

I met Jeff at Simpson and sang with him at Neighborhood in Fremont. The kid in him brought out the kid in me. His musical abilities astounded me at times. Not the best of singers, he could get the best out of others because he was so aware of the technical aspects of vocal performance. He was a great friend for so long. Loved the guy like a little brother. He is 6 years younger than me. Like others in my life, he helped, even though he was unaware of how much, to shape me into the man I became. SAPinP. "sing and play in paradise" my friend.

Marilynn Munoz

September 1, 2015

To Vonnie and children: This took me by such surprise. I'm so sorry for the pain of your loss that you are going through right now. Praise the Lord that he is "safe and sound" with God now, but the grief is still there and I'm so sorry you have to go through this at such a young age. Of course, we're never ready. Take good care of yourself and rest with your guardian angel looking over you. We will all be praying for you and the family. God bless you.

Wendi Rank

September 1, 2015

To the entire Dodson/Collord/Simpson Family and friends, we extend our most sincere sympathy over the passing (to Eternal Peace with our Lord) of Jeff. It has been a tough few months, making this a time to rest, share, spend quiet time, and prepare for the memorial, which will bring together as many of your many, many friends, family and people who loved Jeff, love your family and will continue to walk with you forever. Vonnie, we will be out of town, unfortunately, but plan to make a visit perhaps in the late fall, we will speak with you when you feel like a lunch.And we will visit with Mom and Greg as well. Remember to take care of you right now, and let the kids help. They are, as I recall, "Gods Greatest gift to you and Jeff." You are a very special person and we think of you often and you remain in our prayers, Bruce and Wendi

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