Dorothy Faye “Dot” Taylor Ward, 90, passed away on July 23, 2024, surrounded by her adoring family.She is preceded in death by her parents, J.M. and Kate Taylor; her sisters, Ruby, and Zubie; her brother Lewis; and her late husband, ED Ward.
She is survived by her loyal Sheltie, Thelma; her daughters and sons-in law, Bill and Tammy Zachary, and Phillip and Kim Terry; her four grandchildren, Breken Terry-Laughlin(James “Jay”), Karson Terry, Reed Zachary, and Sydney Kate Zachary; and her two great-grandchildren, Sadie Jane Laughlin and Miller Laughlin. Dot also has several beloved family members in Mississippi who will miss her greatly.
Dot was born in Walthall County, Mississippi on November 27, 1933 to Kate and J.M. Taylor. She loved growing up in rural Mississippi, and often spent her days playing with her brother and sisters and running through the woods. As she grew up, she desired more than the rural life. After graduating from Eupora High School in 1951, she took a job as a telephone operator and moved to Cocoa Beach, Florida.
In sunny Florida, she met the love of her life, ED Ward. The two were married on Dot’s birthday after a
Wednesday night church service in 1957. They went on to have two beautiful daughters, Tammy and Kimberley. After ED passed away from cancer in the 80s, she always kept his memory alive by sharing stories about him.
Dot was a homemaker and a wonderful seamstress. The title she wore the proudest was that of ‘Mama Dot’. Mama Dot sewed all of her grandkids’ blankets, outfits, and even taught them how to sew. She never had a mean word to say about anyone and always offered kind and loving comfort. She felt like a home and was home to her family. She hosted every holiday, and going to Mama Dot’s was always a treat for her grandchildren.
The best gift Dot ever gave her family was her faith. When she said she was praying for someone, she meant it. She spoke of Jesus more like a friend. Anytime someone came to her seeking advice, she reminded them that no matter the struggle, things would get better and to pray on it. Her favorite Bible verse was Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
Dorothy lived a full life filled with friends, family, and love. The last few years of her life her health was declining, and her daughters worked tirelessly to take care of her and make her last wishes come true.
The family would like to thank the following people for their support: Dot’s wonderful friends and neighbors, Carol Malone, Martha Thornton, and Jeff Wales,her wonderful sitters, Lisa Lecroix and Susan Roberson, Her Sunday school class from Emmanuel Baptist Church of Athens; Athens Fire Department and the wonderful young men from lift assist who helped so many nights, and Hospice of Limestone County.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 26, 2024 from 12-2 pm at McConnell Funeral Home. A service in her honor will be held following the visitation with Ron Oakley presiding. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery in Rogersville, Alabama.
Pallbearers will be Phillip Terry, Karson Terry, Jay Laughlin, Bill Zachary, Reed Zachary, and Ronnie Bates.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Hospice of Limestone County.
