Betty Dotson

Betty Ellen Cooper Dotson excitedly began the next phase of her life on Saturday, November 29, 2014 in Greensboro, NC to where she had moved 7 years ago. Betty was born to Alexander Cooper and Annie Hopkins Cook Cooper on September 17, 1927. Betty graduated from Statesville High School in 1945 and attended Mitchell College for one year to study voice under the instruction of Cap Stimpson. With his impending illness, he encouraged her to further her studies at Greensboro College from where she graduated in 1949. On July 15th, 1949 Betty married James Coite Dotson, also from Statesville. In the coming years they became parents to Barbara Leigh, Robin Elizabeth and Laura Ann. As a family they enjoyed music and sports from the combination of Betty's and Coite's professions. As a couple and a family, they pursued a life of civic responsibility and love of their church family, which remains true to this day. Betty has devotedly and joyfully lived a life of servitude. She is and will remain an inspiration to all generations of her family which extends three generations. Betty knew her talent was divinely given and she used it to serve others. She was a music teacher in the Statesville Schools, teaching kindergarten to high school within her 30 year tenure. She was also the director of choirs at First Presbyterian Church for more than 25 years. She sang with the Charlotte Oratorio Singers as well as The Hickory Choral Society. On several occasions she sang with her friend, Loonis McGlohan, the NC treasure, of Charlotte. Out of all of her professional accolades and accomplishments she was most proud to say she was a teacher! Her singing of "the Lord's Prayer" and "O Holy Night" has been cherished by generations. At First Presbyterian, she served as a Deacon, an Elder, Honorary Life Member of the Presbyterian Women of the Church, a youth advisor, and Sunday school teacher. Every Sunday morning she played the piano for her beloved friends in the Young Men's Bible Class. They have been especially dear to her as their support, gratitude, and love has remained over many years. Betty was a Pink Lady at Iredell Memorial Hospital where her mother was a founding member of the volunteer group. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the McDowell Music Club. She served on the board of directors of Kings Grant Retirement Community and the Cancer Fund of America. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, James Coite Dotson (1975); their daughter Robin Dotson Walker (2003), and all of her sisters: Kathryn C Sykes, Mary Lee C. Cowles, Corrine C. Lofland, Willie Mae C. Ritchie, and Virginia C Black. Betty was also preceded in death by her second husband Dr. Robert Long. Betty's surviving family include her daughters, Laura A. Dotson of Greensboro; Barbara D. Garrison and her husband Bill of Statesville and her beloved grand and great-grand children: Matt Miller and his wife Audrey of High Point and their children Charlie and Catherine; Betsy M. Rosenbalm and her husband Andy of Statesville and their daughters Cora Ellen and Charlotte; Emily M. Watson and her husband Josh of Troutman and their children Aiden, Mallory and Reid; Karla C Kincaid and her husband Stewart of Statesville and their daughter Phoebe James; and Leigh Ann Walker of Durham. She is also survived by her faithful dachshunds, Weezy and Flow. Betty is also survived by her devoted nieces and nephews: A. Cooper Sykes and his wife Joan of Durham; William C. Sykes, Jr. and his wife Dot of Cornelius; R. Reynolds Cowles and his wife Evie of Earlysville, VA; Susan C. Hudson and her husband Earl of Burlington; Carol Ann Mc Lamb and her husband Ed of Charlotte; Nancy B. Dillard and her husband Tom of Cullowhee; Barney C. Black and his wife Helena of Falls Church, Va; John C. Black and his wife Renee of Bluffton, SC; Jim Dotson and his wife Serita of Parkersburg, WV; Donna Dotson of Richmond, VA and the generations of their children. A memorial service to celebrate Betty's life will be held 2:00 PM, Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Steve Scott and Rev. Grant Sharp officiating. The family will visit with friends following the service. The family invites everyone to come 30 minutes prior to the service to join in singing hymns. Betty will be laid to rest with Coite and Robin in a private family burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church Organ Fund 125 N. Meeting St Statesville, NC 28677 or to Almost Home Dachshund Rescue PO Box 9671 Greensboro, NC 27429. "When we sing happy songs and see beautiful things, we will think of you." Pressly Kindergarten Cla