Virgie Dodd: Guided By God’s Grace
Virgie was born on September 23, 1929, in a country home to Arthur and Violet Dildine. She was the seventh child born into a family of eight children. Her moth
er, Violet, lost her first two children at birth. They all lived down in a holler, and the house was up on stilts. The family was poor and didn’t have a lot, but God was good to them. At that time, they did not know the Lord, but Virgie looks back and gives Him the glory for taking care of them. At one point, there was a fire in the woods nearby, but it did not take their home, and no one was hurt. This was another of God’s blessings.
Virgie completed school through the eighth grade at Charles School in St. Louis on Gravois. At the age of 19, Virgie came to know the Lord at a church service at the Tabernacle Baptist Church. It was around Easter, and she said the Romans Road scripture touched her and led her to the Lord.
At the age of 21, Virgie met Charles Dodd at church. They became acquainted and married on March 28th, 1952. The wedding was at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, and Rev. Dr. Ralph Couch did the service. Virgie was 22 years old when they married.
All through her life, Virgie has tried to do God’s work by sharing His Word. After marrying, she stayed at home as Charles wanted, while he worked at National Venders in Bridgeton, MO. She helped with many things at church throughout her younger years. Charles and Virgie made poppies for the veterans and did janitor work at the church when no one was available to do it. Virgie and Charles never had children of their own, but they took in Charles’ nephew at the age of eleven and got him through high school. Virgie still has many children she calls hers everywhere she goes. She feels God has put them all in her life to fill the void of not having her own.
Virgie came to live at The Baptist Home in 2013, with her husband, who has since gone on to be with the Lord. She misses him greatly but knows she will see him in heaven. She and Charles knew people here at Baptist Homes of Arcadia Valley, and felt this was the place for them. Virgie feels content living here and believes this is where the Lord wants her “until the Lord calls her home”. The Baptist Home is a real home, not just a nursing home. Virgie calls it a “family home”. She says, “All our needs are met, and we have so many blessings daily of wonderful food, care and fellowship.” Virgie touches so many lives with her love and faithfulness. She still is very active and enjoys helping in any way needed daily. She prays with others and always encourages them. Baptist Homes is grateful to have her as a resident in our care.
