Mary Valentine “Val” Dodson

Mary Valentine “Val” Dodson, 72, of Dawsonville passed away Saturday October 31, 2015 at Embracing Hospice following a period of declining health.

Born February 19, 1943 in Atlanta, she had lived in Dawson County for the past 20 years having moved from Decatur.  Val earned her Master’s Degree from Georgia State University.  She possessed a great passion for teaching special needs children and adults and worked many years for the Georgia Retardation Center after which she worked for Annandale Village in Suwanee until her retirement.  She served as a volunteer counselor for several years at Camp Sky Ranch in Blowing Rock, NC.  While in Dawson County, Val served on several boards and committees including the Library Board and the Board of Health.  She was also preceded in death by her companion, Joyce Maddox.

Surviving are her daughters and sons in law, Lori and Clay Poe, Auburn, GA, Kelly and Tim Haag, Dacula, GA; grandchildren, Luke Wilkins, Madi Wilkins, T. J. Haag, Jonah Poe, Eli Poe; special friend and caregiver, Rachel Holland.

At her request, Val was cremated and the family is planning a private memorial.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.