An Angel was welcomed into the Lord’s arms on January 20, 2010 as Dorothy (Dottie) M. Marshall passed from her earthly life to join other loved ones that had gone before her.
Born on April 5, 1922, Georgetown, DE, Dottie was a graduate from Georgetown High School and from the Beebe Hospital School of Nursing Class of 1944.
Dottie found her soul mate in Wilburn “Tex” Marshall. Although the story was never clear to this writer in regards to who proposed to whom – they were married on December 2, 1944. Together they built a beautiful life that lasted nearly 58 years. Tex was taken from her on August 14, 2001. Their Union brought forth two children, countless friends and wonderful life experiences.
Throughout her life Dottie traveled the country – earlier to meet Tex at whichever port he would get leave in and later with her family camping throughout the country she was so proud of.
When she wasn’t with family she could be found practicing her craft as a nurse in the halls of Beebe Hospital, spending time with her “crafty” group, helping those that were in need, exploring activism (Union vs. Beebe Hospital) and local government (a run for city council).
She loved these life cycles but she found her calling in a starched white uniform with accessories that included a starched cap, white hose, white rubber shoes and more importantly a compassionate heart. The patients and their family members that she encountered over her 40 year nursing career inevitably stayed in her heart. For some nursing is a career or a way to get further up the ladder, for Dottie it was just a way of life.
Mom was preceded in death by Dad which truly broke her heart. Until the Lord came for her she would talk to Tex like he was always with her. Also gone before her were her lifetime best friend Maare Ware, several sisters, brothers, her parents and in-laws. Sarah Elliott of Georgetown, DE, was the sister she was closest to. They spoke everyday and shared all that was happening in their lives. They also shared mischief when they were younger – something to do with a watermelon patch and how the heart of it is always the sweetest. She felt that this was true in life as well.
Mom is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Chuck DeMar of Johnson City, TN, son and daughter-in-law, Glenn and Melanie Marshall of Lewes, DE. Also her greatest joy, her two grandchildren, Elizabeth DeMar and Joshua Marshall. Norma Lee Elliott of Georgetown, is her niece/second daughter who took great care that she stayed in contact with her Aunt Dot.
I’m sure that Dottie’s family and friends realize that this passage was approved by Mom herself. Perhaps she felt words would make more of an impression than her life works, loves and friends. She is certainly wrong on that point.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date in Lewes, Delaware.
She has asked that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Beebe Medical Center Auxiliary, Inc., 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE, 19958.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com or faxed to 423-610-7177.
Arrangements for the Marshall family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples St., Johnson City, TN 37604, 423-610-7171.
