The Rev. Doddie L. Stone died on September 26, 2024, at the age of 89 (1935-2024).
Doddie was born on October 2, 1935, in Champaign IL to Dorothea and Harold Johnson. She lived in Chicago IL before moving to Sullivan IN with her family. Doddie graduated from Sullivan High School, following which she received her Bachelor of Arts from Evansville College IN (1957). She taught 4th grade for many years, receiving Teacher of the Year in California. In 1984, she earned her Master of Arts from John F. Kennedy University, CA. She then retired from her teaching to enter the Unitarian Universalist Seminary. In 1995, she graduated from Starr King School for the Ministry with her Master of Divinity.
The Rev. Stone was ordained to the UU ministry on March 31, 1996. She served her first ministry as a ministerial consultant to the Sierra Foothills UUs, Auburn CA (1995–1998). Thereafter, she was an interim minister for the UU Society of Laconia NH (1998–1999). From 1999–2002, Rev. Stone served the UU Congregation of the South Jersey Shore, Somers Point NJ. At South Jersey Shore, she helped to make the congregation and the larger movement visible through participation with interfaith clergy. In 2002, she retired from her active ministry.
The Rev. Stone was a leader in the UU Women and Religion (UUW&R) activities in the Pacific Central District. She was one of the writers for the UUW&R’s booklet “Revolution by Resolution: Celebrating 30 Years of Women and Religion.” She provided her services to the First UU Congregation, Terre Haute IN as their membership/growth chair (2008–2010). She preached once a month, served on the Pastoral Care Committee, and baked pies for their fundraising activities.
Doddie was a participant in the Shanti project working with AIDS survivors. She was a political activist and made three trips to Nicaragua and El Salvador. Her passions were Peace, Women’s Rights and Abolition of the Death Penalty.
Doddie is survived by her sons Donald Stone and Craig Stone; daughter Cindy Gatioan; as well as her nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the First UU Congregation of Terre Haute, 1875 S. Fruitridge Ave, Terre Haute IN 47803.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First UU Congregation of Terre Haute, PO Box 3225, Terre Haute IN 47803, or to the Mt Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Ln, Walnut Creek CA 94596. UURMaPA contributed to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Sylvia Oster, 1101 E. Royse Dr., Terre Haute IN 47802.