Born on Sept. 12, 1931 in Iaeger, W.Va., her father had gone fishing for the day as she wasn’t expected to be born so soon. Her mother, Frances, went into labor and needed help. She banged on the floor beneath her until the blind man that lived one floor below heard her banging and called the doctor.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her father, Joseph “L.D.”; her mother, Frances; and siblings Frances, Joe, Jimmy and Walter.

She is survived by her sons Mark (Em), Mack, Robin, and Bill (Kim); her nine grandchildren, Brenard, Caleb, Patchen, Arlo (Leslie), Mary Grace, Abby (Ryan), Ross, Jason (Justynn) and Ashlyn; her six great-grandchildren, Arlie, Lea, Laura, Zachary, Ryan and Katie; and her siblings, Becky Jones, Gail Sperka and Mary Porter Knight.

Dorothy dedicated her life in the service of others; as a teacher she inspired generations of students with her patience and unwavering belief in their potential.

Music was woven throughout her life and brought her immense joy. She was an accomplished pianist and viola player and sang with much enthusiasm. She was a charter member with the Rockbridge Community Orchestra for a number of years.

Dorothy was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution National Society since 1963 and a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants since 1976.

Following her retirement from teaching, she continued her commitment to service by joining the Peace Corps, where she served in Costa Rica from 1996 to 1998. Her adventurous spirit and desire to serve her community (wherever that community may be) defined her life. Reflecting her enthusiastic belief of service, learning, and adventure, Dorothy opened her home to all, building friendships and providing a safe haven for many.

Her legacy lives on through the many she taught, served and welcomed in throughout her life.

A special thank you to the staff and caregivers at the Borden Center at Kendal for their support and kindness.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, at Beth Horn United Methodist Church (71 Beth Horn Drive, Natural Bridge, VA 24579) at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. A private burial will be held prior to the memorial service. NG