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Thank you for your support during this difficult time. Please enhance this tribute to Marlie by adding your memories and photos.

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Memories & Candles

“Just watched the beautiful video... what an amazing family you and Marlie were... my heart is with you ”
1 of 54 | Posted by: Sue Jones - Winter Haven, FL

“I was so saddened when I saw your precious child's picture in the Lakeland Ledger. Although she may have been on this earth for such a short time,...Read More »
2 of 54 | Posted by: Lynn Goodwin - Lakeland, FL

“Marlie touched my heart when I volunteered for BaseCamp. She was a amazing little girl with a firecracker personality! ”
3 of 54 | Posted by: Justina Noteboom - Orlando, FL

“Dear Sarah and Family: I had the pleasure meeting Marlie when I first moved to Florida at Sun Trust Bank. I was there with my sister Linda Moore and...Read More »
4 of 54 | Posted by: Phyllis Boyd - Winter Haven, FL

“Dear Sarah, We want you to know that although we are not able to be there with you during this time, know that we are with you in spirit. Marlie...Read More »
5 of 54 | Posted by: Michael and Ann Hilton - FL

“Dear Sarah, We were so sad to hear about Marlie. She was such an amazing and beautiful little girl. I remember when, at the APH oncology ward...Read More »
6 of 54 | Posted by: Stephanie and Ted Herbert - FL

“Sweet Sarah, as a mother I can only imagine how you feel. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."-Matthew 5:4 You and Marlie...Read More »
7 of 54 | Posted by: Tonya Prado & Clayten Brown (friend from school) - FL

“Even though I never meet Marlie I felt that I knew her through April's post and updates on facebook. She had such a contagious smile that I couldn't...Read More »
8 of 54 | Posted by: Shauna Beach Clemons - FL

“I just wanted to extend my deepest sympthay to you and your family due to the loss of your daughter Marlie. Being a mother of three and the thought...Read More »
9 of 54 | Posted by: Anne Cannon - Dundee, FL

“Hello, you do not know me. I work for Frostproof Elementary. I wanted to send you my sincere sympathy to you and your love ones. May God be with you...Read More »
10 of 54 | Posted by: Seferina Thompson - Frostproof, FL

“I know that you don’t know me, but accept my condolences.. ”
11 of 54 | Posted by: Fatima Barreto - Lakeland, FL

“Sarah, my condolences and prayers go out to you and your family. Marlie was an amazing child, she was a strong,sweet, very mature for her age little...Read More »
12 of 54 | Posted by: Jackeline De Gracia - kissimmee, FL

“Sarah my heart and prayers are with you. May the peace that passes all understanding keep you and comfort you. We rejoice in having been apart of...Read More »
13 of 54 | Posted by: Joyce Murphy - Winter Haven, FL

“Our heart and prayers are with you. May the peace that passes all understanding keep you and comfort you. We rejoice in having been apart of your...Read More »
14 of 54 | Posted by: Joyce Murphy - Winter Haven, FL

“Marlie Kai...Thank you for being a wonderful friend and inspiration. Your smile, love and laughter will always be remembered. We will cherish the...Read More »
15 of 54 | Posted by: Amy & Sloane Halstead - Orlando

“Sarah, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bring peace to you through all the great memories that you have with Marlie. I lost my 17 year old son...Read More »
16 of 54 | Posted by: Karen Dumke - Winter Haven, FL

“Sarah and family, your shared journey as you pulled together to make Marlie's life as normal as possible through such a trying few years has blessed...Read More »
17 of 54 | Posted by: Cyndie Morris - Winter Haven, FL

“Marlie Kai and Sarah, Your life story is an inspiration, and a marvelous example for us all, as we anticipate our union with Christ Jesus. Peace...Read More »
18 of 54 | Posted by: Allen Dukes - Jesup, GA

“You are in my heart and prayers. What a lovely child! God and His New Angel will be watching over you. ”
19 of 54 | Posted by: Vanessa Gonzalez - Davenport, FL

“Sarah, My heart goes out to you! Marlie was truly a inspiration & blessing to many. She had a infectious smile that I will never forget. God's...Read More »
20 of 54 | Posted by: Latonya Daniels - Winter Haven, FL

“Marlie Kai was an angel sent from Heaven. Marlie has impacted so many lives in a positive manner; Marlie has made a difference in this world. Her...Read More »
21 of 54 | Posted by: William DeWitt - Auburndale, FL

“I've kept up with sweet Marlie's jouney through Lorrie Colee's facebook page. I know I never met her but, wow, God used this little lady to inspire...Read More »
22 of 54 | Posted by: Jennifer Stiverson - Lakeland, FL

“I just wanted to let you know that I saw this and it touched my heart. She seemed like a wonderful girl and you are a wonderful mom. Just know that...Read More »
23 of 54 | Posted by: Susan Banner - Winter Haven, FL

“Sarah, I pray for you to be strong and that the eight years you were blessed with Marlie as your daughter continue to shine on. She was and still is...Read More »
24 of 54 | Posted by: Linda Ann Marrero - Poinciana, FL

“Sarah, I still remember the first time I met Marlie. It was when you started at Lake Shipp. Even though you were here only a short time, I never...Read More »
25 of 54 | Posted by: Kim Horbett - Winter Haven, FL

“I will always remember seeing Marlie every morning in the hallway of the K-1 building at Laurel. She was such a sweet little girl. I am so sorry...Read More »
26 of 54 | Posted by: Lisa C. Smith - Haines City, FL

“Marlie was a great child of God and will be missed by many. Her courageous battle with cancer has touched so many of us. We all pray for comfort in...Read More »
27 of 54 | Posted by: Renee Slabicki - Milton, FL

“A mother's love last's forever. ”
28 of 54 | Posted by: Brenda Moore - winter haven, FL

“May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ remain with you Sarah, always. Love Brenda ”
29 of 54 | Posted by: Brenda Moore - Winter Haven, FL

“To the family of Little Marlie Dodson, My heart goes out to each of you, especially her mother, Sarah. My son passed away in 1986 at the young...Read More »
30 of 54 | Posted by: Carla West - Winter Haven, FL

“I pray that you will feel the comfort of our loving Lord today and always. I know Marlie fought a brave battle and now she will be without any pain...Read More »
31 of 54 | Posted by: Betty Bertino - Lakeland, FL

“The Lord is with you each day and caring for Marlie in the best way. Free of pain. All our Love, Aunt Binky & Uncle Andy ”
32 of 54 | Posted by: Uncle Andy & Aunt Binky Geisler - CO

“Pastor Terry and Debbie Howell along with the other pastors, the pre-school staff and teachers as well as friends at Living Water Fellowship are...Read More »
33 of 54 | Posted by: Living Water Fellowship Church - FL

“Sarah, my prayers are with you. Marlie was truly a Bless Child, her Strength, Faith, and Courage was displayed on her face with that beautiful smile...Read More »
34 of 54 | Posted by: Lilly Webb-Darity - Winter Haven, FL

“Sarah, May you find peace in knowing that Marlie is in a better place. ”
35 of 54 | Posted by: Sarah Shifley - Kissimmee, FL

“Marlie, you will be missed. Know that you are an inspiration to us to live better, love more and cherish every day. You lived life to the fullest and...Read More »
36 of 54 | Posted by: Shana Giroux - Maitland, FL

“Marlie, will always be my Sunshine. I will never forget her smile and dimples Much Love and Prayer to all ”
37 of 54 | Posted by: Shirley Smith - Pineville, LA

“Dear Sarah and family, Please know that you are all in our prayers, as is Marlie. She was such a special, beautiful little girl who touched everyone...Read More »
38 of 54 | Posted by: Sylvia Evans - Miami, FL - Friend

“Sarah you are such a wonderful Mom! I can only wish I could have a small portion of your strength to endure what you have. I know Marlie is looking...Read More »
39 of 54 | Posted by: Charlotte Everts - Winter Haven, FL

“Sarah, You are forever in my prayers and your sweet daughter will always hold a special place in my heart. Sending my love, prayers for strength...Read More »
40 of 54 | Posted by: Stephanie Wineland - Orlando, FL

“Sarah, you remain in my thoughts and prayers. I will never forget how I met you and Marlie in the parking lot at the old clinic. Her journey has had...Read More »
41 of 54 | Posted by: Stacey DaRosa - FL

“My heart is sad that Marlie is gone from you physically but so happy too that you didn't lose her--you know exactly where she is--with God in Heaven....Read More »
42 of 54 | Posted by: Cathy Windham

“I had the opportunity to meet Marlie at Inwood Elementary School and to be sure she made an impression on my life. She was such a sweet Angel, so I...Read More »
43 of 54 | Posted by: Viola Frazier - Lake Wales, Fla, FL

“Dear Sarah, My daughter Corin and Marlie were in Proton together. I am extremely sorry for your loss. Marlie was beautiful and funny and such a...Read More »
44 of 54 | Posted by: Sandra Stewart - Philadelphia, PA

“My dear little Marlie - I know you are in the most beautiful place you will ever see. You are walking the streets of gold with our Lord Jesus Christ...Read More »
45 of 54 | Posted by: Mary Carolyn Mijou - Winter Haven, FL

“I am praying for God to give the whole family stregnth. We will see her again...she was a very loving angel. ”
46 of 54 | Posted by: Jeannette Marengo - Kissimmee, FL

“Wonderful Sarah, Praying for peace for you, your mom, Marlie's cousins and family. So thankful she was able to go to Jesus peacefully and pain free,...Read More »
47 of 54 | Posted by: Dana Robertson - art teacher

“Sarah...Healing moves at its own pace. Be kind to yourself and take it one day at a time. I know your heart is aching and I am truly sorry for your...Read More »
48 of 54 | Posted by: Paula Alvarado - Kissimmee, FL

“"Suffer not the children unto Me". These are the words of Jesus to His disciples in the form of a rebuke to show how much He loves these little ones...Read More »
49 of 54 | Posted by: Guy Whittington - FL - friend

“I give thanks for Marlie. She is my inspiration and my teacher. I realize now I am only an aspiring teacher and my new commitment is to emulate...Read More »
50 of 54 | Posted by: Bridget - Lakeland, FL

“You will be missed sweet baby girl! You touched so many people in your short little life, you will never be forgotten!! My prayers are with the...Read More »
51 of 54 | Posted by: Sara Bolin

“Dear Sarah and Family: Marlie has been in our prayer circle for a very long time. We sent her an angel a few years back. We continue to hold all...Read More »
52 of 54 | Posted by: Diane DeCosta - Boston, MA

“My littlest Angle....I miss you so much! You have become my greatest hero and a true gift in my life. You have inspired me in ways that you cannot...Read More »
53 of 54 | Posted by: Rosa - FL

“Dear Sarah and family, the Stanfield family will forever have a special place in our hearts for sweet Marlie. Marlie's smile will always be...Read More »
54 of 54 | Posted by: Debbie Stanfield - Winter Haven, FL


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Marlie Kai Dodson
Marlie Kai Dodson was born at Lakeland Regional Medical Center on November 4, 2003 to her welcoming and loving mother Sarah Dodson. Marlie and her mommy lived a full and beautiful life together, eventually moving to Orlando, FL in the summer of 2007. Shortly after Marlie was diagnosed with a stage 3 brain tumor; Pineoblastoma.
Marlie was treated at Arnold Palmer Hospital, Orlando, Shands at UF, Gainesville, and The FL Proton Center at UF, Jacksonville. Marlie never let her treatment or cancer stop her from living life. She loved to camp, travel and attend UCF sporting events. She was intuitive, creative, nurturing, and an amazingly beautiful child. Marlie's accomplishments include; Junior Ambassador at Base Camp of Orlando, Honorary Grand Marshall 2008 Citrus Bowl Parade, Campaign Model Flashes of Hope, model for Cure By Design 2007 , Fashion Funds the Cure 2008-09, and Runway to Hope 2010-11, a member of Brownie Troop # 1741 Citrus Council, and 2011 Base Camp Junior Prom Queen.
Marlie endured a courageous battle with cancer remaining faithful in the Lord. Marlie has strengthened faith, moved hearts, and encouraged others to have a true love for life and God.
A scholarship will be established at the University of Central Florida in memory of Marlie Dodson. Memorial donations will also be accepted at B.A.S.E. Camp of Orlando.
Marlie is survived by her mother Sarah Dodson; great grandparents Andrew and Margot Gisler; grandmother Mary C. Dodson; aunt April Agnew and her husband Rob, uncle Jeremiah Dodson, aunt Rebecca Dodson; cousins Kaitlynn Dodson, Ethan Dodson, Nathan Agnew, Owen Agnew; and her loving cat Sweetie Sugar Heart Heart Fluffy Dodson.
A visitation will be held Friday, January 6, 2012 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Baldwin Fairchild Lake Ivanhoe Chapel, Orlando, FL. Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 1pm at the First Baptist Church of Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL. Please view and sign the family guestbook at www.baldwinfairchild.com