Betty Dodds Southern

Betty Dodds Southern, 93, passed away Jan. 26, 2020, in Germantown, Tenn. Betty was born in Dyersburg, Tenn., on June 17, 1926. She attended Freed Hardeman University where she obtained her teaching degree and then moved to Blytheville. It was in Blytheville that she met her future husband, Clyde, on a blind date. They were united in marriage Oct. 30, 1953, in Blytheville. They moved to Steele, Mo., in 1955 to begin their family farm. Betty taught in the Gosnell and South Pemiscot School systems. She was a faithful member of the Steele Church of Christ. Betty was a past president and member of the Steele Book Club. She enjoyed working in her yard, vegetable gardening, watching golf and tennis, and spending time with her grandchildren. Betty and Clyde enjoyed traveling and visited many places after retirement.

She leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Leigh Ann Reed of Collierville, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Stacy (Jim) Hagar and Kaleb (Kathryn) Reed, all of Collierville, Tenn.; three great-grandchildren, Hannah Hagar, and Lexi and Levi Reed; two sisters, Jane Wylie and Linda Walters of Dyersburg, Tenn.; two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, June Fisher of Nashville, and Diane and Wayne Southern of Steele; and a host of nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Betty 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, with a visitation from 1-2 p.m. at the Church of Christ in Steele, Mo., with John Mundy officiating. Interment was at Mount Zion Cemetery in Steele. Pallbearers were Kaleb Reed, Jim Hagar, James Medling, Van Wylie, John Doddss and Alan Southern. Honorary pallbearers were Michael Southern and Steve Dodds.