Dorothy Dean Dutton

Dorothy Dean Dutton, a beacon of warmth and kindness, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2024, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 91. Born on October 3, 1932, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Dorothy's life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and a deep sense of community.

Dorothy, affectionately known by her family as "Deanie" and "Grandma," was the heart of her family. She is survived by her loving children, Terry Grigsby, Martha Whited (Mike), and Kevin Dutton (Susie). Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Zachary Dutton (Thomas Brown), Jennifer Totten (Samuel), Amy Hartsfield (Bart), Ashley Jacobsen (Ken), and Whitney Busch (Dillon), as well as her step-grandchildren, Travis Tew (Amie), Brad Philpot, Andrea Katz (Larry), Stacy Holmes (Jeff), Stephanie Harrison (Thomas), and Harrison and Natalie Holmes. Her great-grandchildren, Jessica Gillis (Chris), Sara Messer (Seth), Henry Hartsfield, Carson Dean Busch, Kinsley Busch, Madison Jacobsen, and great-great-grandchildren, Maci and Wyatt Gillis, as well as a host of loving family members who will carry her spirit forward. She also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Wallace Westervelt. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Wesley Place.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband and Jr. High school sweetheart, Thomas E. Dutton, her devoted parents, Lloyd and Anna Davenport, and her dear sister, Barbara Westervelt. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but the love she shared will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Moving to Dothan in 1967, Dorothy owned the Yellow Ribbon Gift Shop for several years. Her commitment to her faith was evident through her membership with the First Baptist Church in Dothan. Dorothy's artistic talents shone brightly as the First Chair Violinist in the Oklahoma City Junior Symphony during her younger years. She also enjoyed visiting with other members of the Dorothy Quick Senior Center Group.

Known for her outgoing and witty personality, Dorothy never met a stranger. She had an extraordinary ability to connect with people, earning her the reputation of being a true "people person." Her love for animals was undeniable, especially for her parakeets, cats, and dogs, who were constant companions throughout her life.

An avid sports fan, Dorothy's enthusiasm for the Atlanta Braves was apparent. She enjoyed playing board games with a competitive, yet playful spirit. Her summers were spent traveling back to Oklahoma to visit family, a tradition she cherished deeply. An Oklahoma State University football fan through and through, Dorothy's passion for her team was as steadfast as her love for her family, as was her encouragement of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sports and creative interests.

Dorothy's talents extended to sewing and knitting, crafts through which she expressed her creativity and love for others. Her home was a testament to her dedication and care, always welcoming and warm. In the kitchen, Dorothy's culinary skills shone as she loved to cook and bake, often delighted her family with treats that were as sweet as her disposition. Her love for dark chocolate and Chilton County peaches was well-known, as was her appreciation for classical music, which filled her home with harmony and joy.

Dorothy's life was marked by her loving, kind, and friendly nature. To her family, she was more than just "Dot," "Deanie," or "Grandma"; she was the glue that held them together, the storyteller of their history, and the nurturer of their dreams.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made in Dorothy’s honor to the new addition of the Wiregrass Pet Rescue and Adoption Center.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City AL · (334) 983-6604