Hilda Dodd Smith, 91, of Brookneal, passed away peacefully at Bedford County Nursing Home on Thursday, November 20, 2025. She was the wife of the late Lester Judd Smith.
Born in Charlotte County, on July 6, 1934, she was the youngest of the twelve children of the late Claude Swanson Dodd and the late Fannie Conner Dodd.
Hilda is survived by a son, Reginald “Reggie” Smith (Sheila) of Brookneal, a daughter, Patricia “Trish” Conroy (Paul) of Lynchburg; five grandchildren, Patrick Conroy (Lauren), Whitney Chancellor (Kyle), Brandon Conroy, Kirstin Smith and Hannah Smith; two great-grandchildren, Liam Chancellor, and Bennett Chancellor; a sister, Jean Bigger; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Dodd; and a large number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey (Jeff) Smith; six brothers, Walker, Luther, Hubbard, Parker, Hampton, and Leighton; and four sisters, Annie Morris, Mattie Bennett, Sadie Nelson, and Irene Clark.
Hilda was lovingly called “Tillie” by some of her brothers which was derived from the comic strip “Tillie the Toiler.” She spent much of her life working hard, be it on the Dodd family farm milking cows, harvesting vegetable and fruit crops and aiding her mother in tending her flowers or after marrying Lester. They lived on Lester’s grandfather’s farm in Campbell Co, and the hard work continued. She loved harvesting the garden and freezing and canning produce. She helped with the tobacco and hay crops as well as maintaining the cattle herd. Her flower garden was a beautiful sight each year, and she shared that beauty with others often.
Hilda was a member of Union Hill Baptist Church and served faithfully in many capacities. She was church pianist for a number of years, church clerk, active in the Women’s Missionary Union holding an office in the Appomattox Association and at the state level. Her artistic abilities were conveyed through the many flower arrangements she provided the church.
Hilda found great joy in preparing meals for family and others. She was best known for her delicious potato salad, fluffy “light” rolls, and chocolate cake with caramel icing. Leftovers from meals always went home with the guests. A heart of service to others best describes her long life. Faced with many health challenges, she continued to strive to maintain an independent life for as long as possible.
There will be a funeral service at Union Hill Baptist Church, 12935 Red House Rd, Brookneal, on Monday, November 24 at 2pm conducted by Rev. Shelton Miles. Visitation will precede the service at 1pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the cemetery fund at Union Hill Baptist Church, c/o Jimmie Trent, Treasurer, 191 Morris Church Rd., Brookneal, VA 24528
Condolences may be sent by visiting http://www.hendersonfuneral.net . Henderson Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Brookneal is assisting the family.
FAMILY LIFE
by Parker Dodd
Whatever else is lost among the years
Let us keep this family happiness.
Its meaning never ends
Whatever doubts assail us
Or whatever fears.
Let us hold close these family ties
With love that never ends
