1948 - 2022

Barbara Jean Dodd Warner passed away on Sept. 20, 2022 at her sister’s home in Kaufman with her family with her.

BJ was born on Oct. 17, 1948.

Preceded in death by parents Edd Dodd and Clara Brockway Dodd.

She is survived by lifelong friend Virginia Kyndberg of Sierra Madre, CA, sisters Kathy Dodd of Kaufman, Jan and (husband) Abel Galvan of Forney, niece Devon and (husband) Robert Carvell of Forney, great niece Haley Murphey and great nephew Hunter Murphey of Forney and many other cousins and relatives.

BJ moved to Sierra Madre, CA in the middle 1980’s where the adventure begins. Though BJ had severe medical issues with pain/mobility she never complained. She and Virginia (Ginger) began to travel the world literally. Every summer for over 25 years she spent four to six weeks in Puerto Vallarta enjoying the ocean view and swimming with the dolphins. For all those who followed her on facebook know it was truly amazing to see the pictures of where all she had been and where she intended to go next. There is probably less than six countries she was not able to visit in her lifetime. An accomplishment the Lord granted her to achieve.

BJ had an infectious smile and personality like no other. When she walked into a room it would light up with sunshine and laughter. Her stories about her travels delighted everyone she told. As she travelled the world, she spread joy, laughter, sunshine and hope to all she met. She acquired many lifelong friends around the world and retained contact with many. Over the decades they would meet and travel with her on other adventures. She was an inspiration to all, to live life to the fullest no matter the challenges put before you.

She never forgot her roots and came home often to be with family and friends. She kept up with many classmates and was part of a group known as the THS 67 Leaves With Maroon and White and loved to come home and they all get together for lunch to laugh and enjoy the comradery.

Her last journey was another 15-day European tour which she enjoyed to the fullest. She then returned home on September 14th to take a trip with sisters, niece, great niece and cousin. The days in New Orleans were the best days of our life and we will cherish this time always. Barb was an inspiration and a ray of sunshine to us. To watch her on the scooter she had to use to get around was just amazing and she filled us full of laughter and joy. She was a hoot to watch as she maneuvered to get around.

This trip will always be cherished by us. We returned on the 19th and Barb left us on the 20th. The Lord granted us the opportunity to be with her and enjoy her last days.

This shining star will be truly missed by all. The Lord watched over BJ and though she suffered continuous pain made it possible for her to see the world. BJ you added a ray of sunshine and laughter to heaven. We will see you again.

BJ = Be Joyful There will be a Celebration of Life at Fairfield by Marriott Crossroads of Terrell, 351 Market Center Dr., Terrell, TX 75165 Sunday, Oct. 23rd from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. We request everyone wear something purple as that was BJ’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the America Heart Association.