Florine Gunnells Dodds

The family of Mattie Florine Gunnells Dodds, wife of the late Mayor Johnnie Dodds, wish to inform you of her death. Flo passed from this life in the early morning hours of August 23, 2021 with the sun beginning to rise and the birds singing in her garden.

Flo was born on August 28, 1926, the daughter of the late Charles Shellie and Lillie Maxey Gunnells from Bamberg, South Carolina. A graduate of Bamberg High School, she was employed by the Charleston Naval Shipyard selling U.S. Savings Bonds and later as timekeeper of the Electric Shop.

She met and married John J. Dodds, Jr. on March 20, 1948. She volunteered at St. Francis Hospital and East Cooper Hospital. She was a devoted member of Christ Our King Catholic Church where she did altar care. She was an active member of the Mt. Pleasant Chapter of Archon Fraternity of Our Lady of Pompt Succor. Flo was an enthusiastic gardener, an avid reader, substitute teacher and was actively involved in her children's activities as they were growing up.

She was a true matriarch of our family and loved family gatherings at her home for home cooked meals and "family time". Her greatest joy in life was her family, her loving husband, her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.

Surviving are her children: Cathy Joyner (Carroll), Carolyn Nelson (Raymond), Marilyn Davey (Billy), Joanie Boyd (Jimmy), Johnnie Dodds (Debbie), Robert Dodds (Cassie); her grandchildren: Kati Eller, Erin McSwain (Chris), John Joyner (Rebecca), Christian Garcia (Carlos), Michael Nelson, Jason Davey (Stephanie), Brett Davey (Ashley), Shelley Boyd, Paisley Labovitz (Josh), Ryanne Chaplin (Tyler), John Dodds (Chelsea), Charlie Dodds, Mattie Critchfield Dodds (Chris), Robbie Dodds, Ben Dodds; her great-grandchildren: Dalton Stanley, Dan and Erin Eller; Adelaide and Landon McSwain; John, Beau, and Finnegan Joyner; Jackson and Tyler Garcia; Noah, Owen, Sean and Maris Davey; Ansley and Charlotte Davey, Isabelle Boyd; Sophie and Bridget Labovitz and Carter Chaplin.

Mrs. Dodds was predeceased by her brothers, Frank, Gene, Jim and G.C. Gunnels and sisters Mary Blackman, Grace Altman and Sara Crook. She is survived by her brother David Gunnells and his wife, Peggy.

A devoted and loving "Bride", Momma, Granny and Great Granny; know that we love you, we honor you, we cherish you. You will forever remain in our hearts.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 30, 2021 at 10 AM at Christ Our King Catholic Church, 1183 Russell Drive, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, with burial to follow at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.