Janice Dodson Butterworth

Janice Dodson Butterworth, 64, of Hopewell, Virginia, passed away on October 13, 2026.

Jan, as she was known to family and friends, was born in Danville, Virginia, to Henry Walker Dodson and Kathryn Chumley Dodson, both of Danville, Virginia. For the past 34 years, she made her home in Hopewell with her husband, Todd Maddy Butterworth.

In addition to her husband, Jan is survived by her sons, Jake (Kendall) of Staunton, Virginia, and Luke of New York, New York; her brother, David (Kim); her nieces, Abby (Josh) of Leesburg, Virginia, and Erika (Jordan) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; her great-niece, Lily; her brother-in-law, Brad (Jackie); and her nephew, Sam, of Prince George, Virginia.

For 34 years, until the time of her passing, Jan dedicated herself to the students, staff, and families of Hopewell Public Schools. She began her career as a ninth-grade English teacher, later becoming an assistant principal at Hopewell High School. She concluded her career in the school division's central office, serving as a Director of Instruction. Jan earned a Bachelor of Arts from Radford University in 1983, a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1991, and a Master of Education from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1996.

Jan was also proud of her involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a registered adult leader of Pack and Troop 923 and as Cubmaster of Pack 923 for 20 years. Alongside her fellow volunteers, she dedicated countless hours to mentoring Scouts. Many of those who participated in her program went on to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, and all carry with them the lasting principles of the Scout Oath and Law.

Jan's commitment to the community extended beyond the classroom and Scouting. A lifelong lover of the arts, she helped bring music, art, and theater programs to Hopewell students through her involvement with the James River Ball Patrons. She also served on the local Reading Is Fundamental board, helping secure resources to support literacy in students' homes. In April 2026, she was recognized with the Outstanding Citizen Award from DuPont Masonic Lodge No. 289. In June 2026, she was nominated for the Virginia Governor's Volunteerism & Community Service Award.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Hopewell, Virginia, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at noon. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Scouting program at First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 636, Hopewell, VA 23860, or online at https://fumchopewell.org.