Dorothy Raye Hovater James, 79, passed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, October 23, 2014. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Saturday, October 25, 2014, at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. Funeral services will be held in the chapel at 2 p.m. on Sunday with Brother A.G. Stepp officiating. Pallbearers will be Darren James, Brandon Archer, Tristan Archer, Harry Porter, Fred Weeks, Jackie Bevis, John Jaco, Tim McCarley and Jerry Fuller.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Oscar Nelson James; her parents, Luther and Leona Hovater; and brother, Floyd Hovater. She is survived by children Tommy Nelson James (Cheryl) and Pamela James Archer (Joey); grandchildren Darren James (Rachel), Brandon Archer (Kalli), and Tristan Archer; great-grandchildren Emma and Ava James, and Jack Archer; brother, J. C. Hovater (Betty), nieces, nephews, and many friends.
She was a member of Hook Street Baptist Church and served her Lord faithfully.
Dorothy was retired from the Colbert County school system. As an elementary school secretary, she touched countless young lives with a warm hug, a sweet smile, or a helping hand. She had a deep love of Southern gospel music, and served her Lord as a church pianist for many years. Until a stroke affected her speech five years ago, she was the life of every gathering. Dorothy had a quick wit and a huge repertoire of jokes, and dearly loved to make people laugh. She is now able to do that again!
Special thanks to Hospice of North Alabama and her dedicated and caring sitters.
Our family will deeply miss her; but we rejoice that her suffering is over, and she is reunited with her family in heaven.
