Dates
Sybil Brown Sanderford Dodson went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Sybil was born in Coleman, Texas on July 28, 1937 to Ralph E. and Marie (Wiegreffe) Brown. She grew up in Talpa, Texas. She attended Immanuel Baptist in Talpa and was baptized at the age of 13 in a stock tank. Sybil graduated from Talpa High School in 1955. She attended San Angelo College and Shannon School of Nursing, receiving her Applied Arts degree and RN certification in 1958. She later received a master’s degree from Angelo State University in 1975 and taught second graders for 31 years. She loved her profession and students.
Sybil married Gary Sanderford, loyal husband, loving and affectionate dad, and devoted educator in August, 1959. They raised their 2 boys and lived in San Angelo most of their married life. Gary died in October, 1987.
Sybil attended Southland Baptist Church. She had a passion for the Lord and loved her church family and staff. She became a deacon and cherished the different activities and ministries at the church. She attended Community Bible Study for 12 years where she developed many friendships with faithful and devoted women from different denominations.
After the death of Gary, Sybil married Dwain Dodson who also was a widower on December 25, 1989. Martus Miley, pastor of Southland at the time, and his wife Jeanie came to Sybil’s house on that Christmas morning for the marriage ceremony with all the family attending. There was already a closeness between the families, a somewhat unique situation. Her oldest son had married Dwain’s youngest daughter, Gay, even before Sybil and Dwain lost their respective spouses to cancer. The united families soon grew larger and larger becoming her pride and joy. She adored and loved each one of them. Her desire was for each of their hearts to be filled with the love of Christ and have this legacy of faith passed on. Sybil and Dwain were blessed with 25 years together enjoying their family, friends, church, and travel. Dwain died in February, 2015.
Sybil was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Gary Sandeford, second husband Dwain Dodson, and Gay (Dodson) Sanderford. She was also preceded in death by her 4 brothers, Eddie Brown who died in 2010, Randall Brown who died in 1972, Kent Brown who died in 1997, and Larry Brown who died in 1975.
She is survived by children Kelly Sanderford and wife Deborah, Max Sanderford and wife Leah, Chip Dodson and wife Susan, David Dodson and wife Debbie, Ann (Dodson) Phillips and husband Randy, grandchildren Brittany (Sanderford) Smith and husband Travis, Jared Sanderford and wife Kenzie, Ben Sanderford and wife Abby, Brooke (Sanderford) Bester and husband Dylan, Bailey Sanderford, Steven Dodson and wife Casee, Jenny (Dodson) Ballard and husband Travis, Rachel Phillips, Ruth (Phillips) Cox and husband John, Sarah Phillips, Miriam Phillips, nephews Bill Brown and Sammy Brown, nieces Deborah Rinn and Jana Weatherby, and 14 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Harper Funeral Home on Thursday January 29, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A celebration service will be held at Southland Baptist Church on Friday January 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM, Pastor Chris Curran officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Southland Baptist Church, Hospice of San Angelo, Meals for the Elderly, or a favorite charity.
“Now this is eternal life; that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3