Devin Dodson
2003 – 2019
Ione, California

Devin Allen Dodson was born from love on Tuesday, June 17th,2003, in Jackson, CA. To his mother, Anja Maria Bates, and his father, Dwayne Allen Dodson. He was just shy of 10 lbs. and 21 inches long, a healthy bouncing baby boy, at 8:52 p.m. I was in love with Devin from the moment I conceived him, and now that he was born, it felt like my heart would burst from the immense amount of love this sweet, precious child brought into our lives.  Devin was loved every moment of his 16 years and 2 days without a doubt.
Tragically Devin drowned just 2 days after turning 16. It was the Consumnes River, Hwy 49 at the Amador, El Dorado county line, the river swept him away and held him 10 feet down, under an outcropping of rocks.

An angel opened the book of life and wrote my sweet son's birth. Then she whispers as she closed the book. "He's much too beautiful for Earth".

Devin was a lovely and lively baby. Always eager to please and he loved to laugh and play.  He loved his Omi Asta Maria Bates, my mother. Who passed away 6 years before Devin's passing. Devin had the love of his great grandma, Velda Hall; his grandma, Tonia Palmero; his auntie, Alana Selina Palmero; and his uncle, Daren Cody Dodson. Devin loved each and every one of his family members so very much. Devin was a bright, friendly, and sweet child. He brought so much joy into our lives.

Devin attended Pioneer Elementary School, Jackson Elementary School, Jackson Jr. High School, Ione Jr. High School, and Argonaut High School. Devin loved science, Dinosaurs, and told us that he wanted to be a Paleontologist.  He loved all animals, especially our cats and dogs, plus Chinchillas and guinea pigs. There was Lulu and Tutu, Hera, Hadies, Doobie, Andy, and Papa New Guinea pig. This was just at our home. At his dad's he had Maddison. He attended to them lovingly, gently, and tenderly. His other passions were scorpions, magic, Transformers, and Legos. He enjoyed drawing, reading, riding his bike, and playing board games. As he grew up his interests flourished into Par Core, making Paracord bracelets, survivalist techniques, and video gaming with his father. Devin was a smart boy and developed a quick wit. An all-around good boy, respectful and polite. A bright and shining star, so handsome with a beautiful soul. I was beyond proud to be called Devin's mom. Devin loved to go to IFly's wind tunnels,  escape rooms, and going to movies. In high school, above all, Devin loved his friends and was fiercely loyal to them. He loved his school and had great school spirit. He would have so much fun going to Argonauts Basketball and Football games. I would load up all of these teens in my car, and Doobie, who isn't small, and he would end up on someone's lap. In fact, Devin had so much school spirit that his picture was taken at one of the games, and it ended up as a picture at the beginning of the Sophomores' pictures in the yearbook. Devin also loved skateboarding, listening to music, and chill'in or mobb'in as Devin might say. In high school, he had a knack for picking up quickly the teachings in his class, then he would wander around playfully, popping his head into other classrooms to say hi. Devin became heavily involved in the dramatic arts and was working on filling out the application to the San Francisco Arts Academy with his drama teacher, Debra Tenney. This had me beaming. For me this was a full circle moment because I was heavily involved in drama when I was in high school. I can honestly say that Devin was highly talented in the theatre.  I was so very proud of Devin. He had finally found his niche.

Devin had 2 favorite quotes that he liked to share with his friends.  "Don't die with dreams, die with memories. " and his very last text. He told a dear friend of his, " I live every day like it's my birthday." We should all live like this, for none of us are promised tomorrow. We need to tell the people we love, that we love them.  We need to honor our journey. Be kind to everyone you meet, because you don't know what they are possibly enduring.
Be kind to yourself. Before Devin passed away, I always had the belief that there is a reason for everything. I still believe this.  Lifes lessons are learned sometimes in the darkest moments . Devin my sweet, you gave me the most loving, joyous wondrous 16 years and 2 days of my life. Nothing has ever or will ever compare to our time we spent together on this earth. You were indeed an angel. I have loved you since before I met you and will love you far past the time when we will meet again. Rest in peace my sweet, funny , intelligent, lovely young man. My son, always remember that I love you like a fat kid loves cake. That I love you more. Ich liebe dich immer, diene Mutti .
P.s.- I love you forever,  I like you for always ,as long as I'm living my baby you'll be.

Devin brought light, love and laughter to everyone he met and touched lives with his kindness, generosity and wisdom beyond his years. You are greatly missed my sweetheart. Love always ,Devins m♡m, Anja Bates