ALFRED “CLARENCE” DODSON, of Sneedville, Tennessee, was called home to be with his Lord on April 19, 2022, at age 85. After a full day of working outside on his farm, he took his last breath just a few feet away from the house where he had lived for 54 years. In the end, he finally made it all the way home to rest in God’s shining glory.

Clarence was born on September 19, 1936, to his parents, Elder Elmo and Velva Dodson. He was a member of Swan Creek Primitive Baptist Church, which he began attending soon after he was born, and where his father was pastor. Professing faith and salvation in Jesus in 1948, he served as the church clerk for 20 years and taught Sunday School for 47 years. His most principal church role, however, was that of song leader, and for 40 years he opened the worship service every time the church congregated.

Upon graduating from Hancock County High School in 1956, Clarence attended Lincoln Memorial University, completing a bachelor’s degree in Math and Physics, with secondary teaching certification, in 1960. After teaching at Clinch High School for four years, he went to work for the newly established Department of Human Services in Sneedville, serving the public as a welfare worker from 1964 until his retirement in 2000. He believed strongly in helping those less fortunate.

Clarence married the love of his life, the beautiful Joyce Ann Royston on May 25, 1962. Their joyful lives were brightened with the birth of two girls, Danita and Malisha, to whom they dedicated themselves tirelessly in unconditional love and support. Blessed with 41 years of marriage, Clarence became Joyce’s faithful caretaker when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. After her death, he drew increased strength and comfort from his family, especially his grandchildren Caleb and Colleen, who brightened his days with their laughter and love. In the last year of his life, it was his great-granddaughter, Nova Lee, who filled his heart with light, and his one wish was to see her walk, which happened during the last few weeks of his life. Clarence’s family will forever remember his generosity, kindness, sense of humor, and consistent presence in their lives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his sister Vada, and his brother Howard.

Clarence is survived by his daughters Danita Dodson and Malisha Dodson Seals; son-in-law Rev. Tommy Seals; grandson Caleb (Katelyn) Seals; granddaughter Colleen (Josh) Trent; great-granddaughter Nova Lee Trent; brother Earl Lee Dodson; nephews Rodney (Edie) Dodson and Gregory (Tammy) Dodson; grand-nephew Cody (Carrie) Dodson, and great-grandnephews Caden and Cooper Dodson.

-Written by his daughter, Danita Dodson