Margaret Marilyn (Cooley) Dodson

Margaret Marilyn (Cooley) Dodson, 81, of Eminence, Missouri, went to be with the Lord on June 27, 2025. Born on November 23, 1943, in Shannon County, she was the daughter of the late Othel "Bill" Cooley and Lelah (Wilkins) Cooley. 

Marilyn grew up in the Story's Creek area and spent most of her life in Shannon County. She was united in marriage with her husband, Harold Dodson, on January 21, 1961. To this union, three children were born, Leroy Dodson, Eugene Dodson, and her late son, Richard Dodson, who died two days after birth. She worked many years at the local TV factory, doing what she could to support her family. After her sons graduated, she and her husband, Harold, moved to Texas to work in the oil fields and later managed a Boy Scout camp. In 1990, they returned to Missouri to manage a Girl Scout camp in Warsaw before settling back in Eminence to be closer to family. 

After Harold's passing in 2002, Marilyn devoted herself to caring for her mother and helping raise her grandchildren. Even when her mother moved into a nursing home, Marilyn visited almost daily. Caring for others was her greatest calling, whether for family, friends, or a neighbor in need. 

Marilyn was proud of her Shannon County roots and never ran out of stories to tell. One favorite was about her school days at Story's Creek School House, where her mischievous streak often landed her in detention. She liked to say she was the one who carved the famous "horse" into the school desk now on display at Alley Spring, claiming she spent so many hours tracing it during detention that it became part of local history, embedded into the desk forever. 

She was equally proud of her cooking, gardening, and canning. Deer season was practically a holiday, with Marilyn, known for whipping up hearty meals like chicken and dumplings, blackberry cobbler, molasses popcorn balls, and whatever she could grow or find during mushroom or blackberry season. Feeding her family brought her joy, and her meals are cherished memories for many. 

Marilyn was known for her orneriness and sense of humor. She loved a good prank, a long story, and a can of Dr. Pepper; her secret to a long life. She enjoyed satirical news, Bigfoot documentaries, and watching COPS. She was an avid reader with overflowing bookshelves and a creative spirit who quilted, sewed, and even dabbled in woodworking with Harold. She once trained a cat to use the human toilet; just one example of her quirky resourcefulness.

Marilyn also loved the outdoors, especially hunting for mushrooms and blackberries, gardening, and fishing for catfish on the lake. She had a deep love for animals, especially her dogs and cats, and could befriend just about anyone she met. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold; her son, Richard Dodson; and her brothers, Leon and Gordon Cooley. She is survived by her sons, Leroy Dodson (Denise) of Pampa, TX, and Eugene Dodson (Lisa) of Eminence, MO; siblings, J.D. Cooley (Mickey), Bud Cooley (Ruby), and Clara McQuisten; grandchildren, Tyler Dodson, Whitney Randolph, Lacey Dodson, Briar Dodson, Blaze Dodson, Dallas Wake, and Brittany Mathews; great-grandchildren, Jett Randolph, Elias Dodson, Chase Dodson, James Johnson, and Lexi Dodson; along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. 

Marilyn will be remembered for her strong spirit, generous heart, and endless love for her family and community. She made people laugh, made people feel at home, and made our world a little brighter. 

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025, at First Assembly of God Church, Eminence, Missouri, with Bro. Darrell Jones officiating. Visitation was held prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. also at the church. Interment was in Flatwoods Cemetery, Eminence. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com