Barbara Lou Dodson

Barbara, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully departed this world on October 2, 2026. Born in the charming town of Monkton, Maryland, she was the cherished daughter of the late Samuel and Jane Thomas. Barbara was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family.

Throughout her life, Barbara was a beacon of light to her family and friends. She was predeceased by her devoted parents, Samuel and Jane Thomas, but leaves behind a legacy of love through her surviving children, Bonnie Dodson and Betsy Bley. Her grandchildren, Josh Bley and his wife AnnaMarie, and Isabelle Lipka and her husband Tommy, along with her great-grandchildren, Keely-Reece, Alice, Winnie, and Tommy, were the pride and joy of her life.

Barbara was one of seven siblings and shared a close bond with each of them. Her sisters Linda Creamer (Michael) and Shirley Swift (Bobbie), and her brothers James Thomas (Victoria), David Thomas (Karen), Danny Thomas (Rissie), and Elizabeth Fuller (Terry) will forever cherish the memories they created together. Barbara and her twin sister shared a special connection, filled with laughter and joy during their many trips to the casino and countless bingo games.

Having retired from Becton-Dickenson, Barbara devoted her later years to her family and her passions. Her love for bringing people together shone through in her hosting of family reunions, where she ensured that the family bonds remained strong. She delighted in giving her great-grandchildren little gifts, a testament to the immense love she carried for her family.

A Public Viewing will be held at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc (24 N. Second St. New Freedom, PA 17349) on Wednesday, October 07, 2026 from 7:00PM - 9:00PM.

The family invites all who knew her to join in a celebration of Barbara's life at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc. (24 N. Second St. New Freedom, PA 17349) on October 08, 2026 starting at 11:00AM. As we gather to honor her memory, let us remember the warmth she brought into our lives and the strength of her spirit that continues to inspire us all. A procession to First Baptist Cemetery of Hereford (9 Mt. Carmel Rd. Parkton, MD 21120) will follow the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Barbara's memory to a charity of your choice, reflecting her generous spirit and commitment to giving back to the community.