Flora Dodd’s combination of heart, faith and spunk have endeared her to those around her for more than a century.

As she prepares to begin another trip around the sun, those closest to her are voicing their appreciation for her impact on their lives.

Dodd will celebrate her 104th birthday on November 1. She currently lives independently at The Palms of Lake Spivey, where staffers are planning a party for her “extraordinary milestone,” said her son, Randy Dodd of Stockbridge.

Flora was born in November of 1918, to James Calvin Fields and Mary Alice Fields, and grew up with 10 siblings on a farm in Stone Mountain.

Randy said his mother’s early life was vastly different from young people in today’s world.

“Her family heated bricks at the wood stove and placed them on the floor of the horse-drawn wagon to warm their feet during winter commutes,” said Randy, 68.

Flora began working in the printing industry at age 17, making paper bags for grocery stores. She worked in that area for 45 years.

She moved from Stone Mountain to Atlanta in 1950. She and her husband, Toy Dodd, met on a blind date and were married for 39 years. They moved to Henry County in 1963.

Flora’s family also includes her daughter, Jan Williams of McDonough. Toy Dodd passed away in 1990, but Flora has five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Randy said one characteristic his mom has held close to her over the years is her faith in Jesus Christ.

“She has been a devoted Christian since her teens,” said Randy.

“She has always been active in her churches – Mount Vernon Baptist in Ellenwood; First Baptist Ellenwood; First Baptist McDonough; and, most recently, First Baptist Stockbridge.”

Randy acknowledged that shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic impeded his mother’s church involvement.

“Due to her weakened eyesight over the last year, she’s no longer able to crochet or put puzzles together,” said Randy.

But she still enjoys a good game of cards, and occasionally wins. And she definitely relishes her four-wheel scooter that enables her to commute all throughout the massive facility at the Palms.”

He said his mother never saw herself living 104 years – at least, not until she reached the century mark in 2018.

“Since then, she has envisioned going for a record,” said Randy.

He acknowledged that the secret to his mother’s longevity has little to do with the food she eats.

“It’s certainly not her diet,” said Randy Dodd. “As a lifelong southerner, she has enjoyed an abundance of fried foods and sweets.”

Randy’s wife of 47 years, Sherri, said it is in Flora’s “loving and kind” nature to be helpful in any way possible.

“We have always called each other “mother in love” and “daughter in love,” said Sherri, 65. “Family has always been extremely important to her since she came from a large, close-knit family and since her mother died when she was only 14. Her older siblings looked out for her, and her closest sister in age, Aunt Pearl, was always protective and a little ‘bossy’ over her baby sister.”

Sherri said her mother-in-law has maintained her “feisty and spunky” side over the years, in order to retain her sense of independence. She said Flora has, over the years, taught her to be the same way.

“She always tries to do everything for herself that she can,” she said.

“I have learned to never give up, to keep doing the best I can,” said Sherri Dodd. “I am still learning from her. Maybe that is why she is still here.”

Sherri expressed her gratitude for Flora’s devotion to her extended family.

“She has always been a grandma who was proud of her grandchildren and great-grands, too,” continued Sherri. “She went to anything she possibly could of their school and extracurricular activities for as long as she was able. At 102, she was the “flower girl” in her granddaughter Shanda’s wedding.”

Sherri said her mother-in-law has learned, over the last three decades, to “accept loss.” Still, she said Flora continually exhibits a determination to make the most of each day she is given.

“Living to 104 is not easy,” said Sherri. “There is a continuous stream of losing those you love, moves and changes, and even your own body parts wear out. But Flora shows a tenacity and an adventurous spirit about what is yet to be. She always finds something to look forward to.”