Alumna demonstrates gratitude through continued support of MCH

Mamie Lee Dodds presents the money tree to
Trey Oakley, vice president for development.

Mamie Lee Dodds, a resident of Big Spring, Texas, recently celebrated her 98^th birthday. To mark this joyous milestone, Dodds chose to forego gifts and instead asked her friends and loved ones to make donations to Methodist Children’s Home (MCH), a ministry very dear to her heart. With this benevolent gesture, she raised almost $3,000 for the children, youth and families in our care.

MCH became home to Dodds and her four siblings when she was only 3 years old. She lived there for most of her childhood and left in 1935 to move to Big Spring. She went on to complete her education and served as a teacher for more than 30 years in Big Spring Independent School District.

Dodds also became highly involved in community service and was recognized in 1993 as the Big Spring Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Women of the Year for her efforts to improve the quality of life in the community. Dodds is an active member of her church, First United Methodist Church of Big Spring, where she has served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member and lay speaker. 

Dodds received the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award from the Methodist Children’s Home Alumni Association for her service to MCH and the community. Aside from her work with the Alumni Association, Dodds has partnered with MCH consistently by hosting Christmas party fundraisers for the ministry, serving as a commissioner, and assisting in the development of historical projects at MCH including the Perkins Heritage Home Visitors Center and the historical book commemorating the 125^th anniversary of the organization.

Dodds was given a “money tree” from a fellow educator around 40 years ago and since then has used the tree as a tool for raising money for various causes in the community and MCH. After receiving donations through the money tree at her birthday celebration, she passed it on to Methodist Children’s Home where it will be displayed in the Perkins Heritage Home Visitors Center.

Trey Oakley, vice president for development at MCH, attended the birthday celebration and accepted the gift on behalf of the ministry.

“Mamie Lee is a living example of how God is at work through Methodist Children’s Home,” Oakley said. “She was blessed during her childhood by this ministry and now returns that blessing to others. We are grateful for her continued support and loyalty. We are proud to have Mamie Lee representing MCH.” 

Mamie Lee Dodds (front, right) is pictured with her siblings at MCH in 1925. 

Dodds recently celebrated her 98th birthday.