Dorothy (Dottie) M. Hembree, 99, of Huntsville, AL passed away on October 17, 2023, well within sight of the century mark. She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Ray V Hembree, as well as her parents and siblings.
Married during World War II, while Ray served in the United States Navy, they established a happy home wherever they were stationed. After the war, they moved several times as Ray’s career grew, and he continued his education. Dottie and Ray arrived and settled in Huntsville in 1954 and put down deep roots. They were long time members of the Holmes Street United Methodist Church. At Holmes Street, Dottie was a member of the choir and served as President of the UMW organization. She was also involved in the Huntsville Garden Club.
With two growing daughters enrolled in Blossomwood Elementary school, Dottie served as President of the school PTA organization. As her daughters grew, she felt the need to teach and opened the ‘Busy Bee’ kindergarten in her home, where she educated and delighted children for over 14 years.
After Ray’s retirement from NASA, Dottie and Ray had many wonderful trips and vacations, always visiting their daughters wherever they happened to live. In the early-1990’s Dottie’s life took a change when she lost sight in both eyes due to glaucoma. Although life-changing, Dottie took it in stride, and she and Ray adjusted and continued with their lives. When traveling, Ray was the travel narrator, describing whatever vista or scene they were viewing.
Dottie was born on January 21, 1924, in the Ensley neighborhood of Birmingham, AL to Kenneth and Lillie Mutchler. She is survived by her daughters, Donna Hembree-Waters & husband, Jeff, and Karen Forney; two grandchildren, Stephanie Forney and Steven Forney & wife, Nathaly; and one great-grandchild, Sabrina Forney. Dottie was close to her nieces and nephews; sisters, Shirley (Tom) and Tanyia (Jim); and nephews, Ansel (Jeanie), Bruce (Becky), and Jay (Ally).
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Regency Retirement Village for their care and attention in the recent years. Also, a warm and heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to the staff of Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care.
Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 23, 2023, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Eddie Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
