Dorothy Matthews Burleson

Yadkinville Dorothy Mae Matthews Burleson passed away peacefully at her home on November 23, at the age of 91. She was born to John Henry Matthews & Lillie Mae Norman Matthews on May 14, 1925. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Fred Matthews, James Matthews, Thomas Matthews and sisters, Percy Norman, Jessie Davis, and Lucille Brown. She is survived by her daughter, Elaine (Ralph) Kimel; Granddaughter, Beth (Sara) Hutchens; & great granddaughters, Kelli (Connor) Vail, Megan Vestal; sisters, Mildred Brown & Nell Allen; longtime family friend, Debby Wilkins; and numerous beloved nieces & nephews. Dorothy attended Draughn's Business College in Winston-Salem. She was employed by the Navy Department in Washington D.C. from 1950 - 1954. When she returned to Winston-Salem, she worked for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Services for over 15 years. She then joined the Veterans Administration, until her retirement in 1987. "Dot", as she was known to most people, inspired everyone who knew her. Her bravery & independence, despite obstacles in her way throughout her life, were a true example of a strong woman. In her earlier years, her greatest joy was to get in her car, equipped with a specially made accelerator, and drive to the mountains. She drove many miles in her lifetime, often carrying a group of children or teenagers with her. She was a devoted mother & grandmother. She also enjoyed baking, growing beautiful flowers, going to movies, music, and spending time with her family.   A memorial service will be conducted Sunday, November 27, 2016 at 3:00pm at Gentry Family Chapel in Yadkinville. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00pm prior to the service at the funeral home. A private interment of ashes will be at Forbush Friends Meeting Cemetery in East Bend, N.C. at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be made to Mountain Valley Hospice of Yadkinville. P.O. Box 1267 Yadkinville, NC 27055. The family wishes to thank Mountain Valley Hospice of Yadkinville for truly being angels here on earth for her and us. And many thanks to family and friends who visited her & provided support for us for the past two weeks. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Burleson family.