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Dorothy “Dot” Whitaker
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On January 14, 2021 @ 4:42 pm In 2021,Obituaries | 5 Comments
Dorothy “Dot” Whitaker, age 84, of Burnsville, MN, formerly of Blacksburg, VA, passed peacefully on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at Ebenezer Ridges, in Burnsville.
A Virtual Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 12:00 Noon (Central). Family and friends can join at the following link: Dot Whitaker Memorial Gathering (Meeting ID: 959 3691 3454 / Passcode: 709188).
Lawrence and Permelia (Northey) Sorrels welcomed a daughter Dorothy Elizabeth on February 2, 1936. The middle child of five, she had three brothers and a younger sister, who passed at a young age. Growing up in Gilkey, NC on the family farm, Dot loved being a country girl, but did not like the work associated with farm life. Being surrounded by three brothers, she quickly learned to be a strong and independent gal. Dot attended grade school and later graduated from Rutherfordton-Spindale Central High School.
Dot’s first job was working for Mr. Reed, at the local jewelry store for several years. After getting married, she was fortunate to attend Radford College, in Radford, VA which was a teacher’s college. Dot earned a bachelor’s degree and eventually a master’s degree in Librarian Science, all the while raising her children. For many decades, Dot flourished as a librarian. She ran a tight ship and took great pride in every book on her shelves. Dot loved being with the children and was grateful to be able nurture generations of students.
Dot loved to dance. While attending a local dancehall, she saw a handsome young man across the floor and knew he was the one. Dot married Mack Lee Whitaker on October 13, 1956, at Gilkey Methodist Church. They eventually settled down in Radford, VA, where Dot and Mack raised two sons, David, and Kevin. Dot relished being a wife and mother. As a family, they enjoyed the summer camping vacations, especially to Myrtle Beach. If you had asked Dot, it was not much of a vacation for her, because she still needed to do most of the cooking. Dot was most content be surrounded by her boys and husband. She did what they enjoyed doing; particularly eating seafood and watching James Bond movies.
Being a librarian, Dot had a strong passion for reading. She was an excellent seamstress, even sewing her wedding dress. Dot enjoyed planting wildflowers and loved music. She enjoyed participating in the Floyd United Methodist Church choir and in a local quartet for the Lion’s Club. Dot liked volunteering at Angels in the Attic Thrift Store. After Dot and Mack retired, they enjoyed the quiet life living in a retirement community and making new friendships. Especially after Mack passed, these friendships helped her thrive in life.
Dot lived a simple life and needed only the love from her family. Dot was a wonderful wife, mother, and nana, who always put their needs first. She loved being a grandma. Dot remained connected with the grandchildren and looked forward in seeing them, at the annual visits. Being surrounded by men most of her life, Dot did things her way! Underneath that strong shell, she was kind, easy going and intelligent.
Dot will forever remain in the hearts of her children, David (Cindy) Whitaker, Kevin (Terri) Whitaker; grandchildren, Austin Whitaker, Aimee Whitaker, Michael Whitaker, Lauren Whitaker; brothers, Jack (Helen) Sorrels, Norris Sorrels, Ben (Karen) Sorrels; and other relatives and friends.
Greeting Dot home in Heaven is her husband, Mack Whitaker; parents, sister, Judith Sorrels and sister-in-law, Ree Sorrels.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proud served and cared for the Whitaker family.
Offer Condolence for the family of Dorothy “Dot” Whitaker
Print Obituary & CondolencesDot was an inspiration to me in my beginning years as a teacher and was very helpful when I needed it. She took special care of my students in the library. Let your wonderful memories lead you through and turn to the Lord for guidance.
I only met Dot in Warm Hearth Singers here in Blacksburg. We would sit next to each other during practices and at concerts. I lost track of her when she moved, but I sure missed her. So sorry to hear of her passing. She was the sweetest lady.
We are so glad to have shared a brief time in the life of Dot! Our conversations would include how we grew up, things we enjoyed (like singing), and my purple cane!
Dot, we will miss you but know that Heaven is thrilled to welcome you!
Dave, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
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Whitaker family,
That was a beautiful tribute to Dot. I know how much she meant to all of you especially Cindy. I know she proud of all of you grateful for the love and devotion that you gave her. Treasure your memories.
Blessing, Gina