“To know Dottie Tate is to know: a true Southern lady … the power of presence … style … elegance … grace … beauty … the wonder of God.” Those were my opening words at Dottie’s memorial service last Saturday afternoon.
In the early hours of Valentine’s Day last week, Dottie Tate was released from her aged and weak body, as she passed on to glory. Last year Dottie celebrated her 92nd birthday. I met her almost 10 years ago when I moved to Big Canoe. She was known as the “grand dame” of our community.
Her southern drawl, her graceful body maintained from modeling days, her generous spirit, her zest and enthusiasm for life – all were elements of a lady who lighted up a room with her presence. One memorable night for me was her 85th birthday party when she danced to the tunes of the live band.
Her vibrant nature spilled over all with whom she came in contact. Everyone felt loved just to be around Dottie. “Miss Dottie” came to be even a more special woman to me. Here’s why ….
Years ago as a young man “Big Bill” Tate attended Georgia Tech. He met another student named Sunny Jones from Canton, Georgia. They became good friends.
When Bill married Dottie, and Sunny married Virginia, their friendship continued. Over the years, as couples, they played golf together. They played bridge. They partied together. When they had young children they went on vacations together.
Sunny and Virginia’s daughter, Cissy, grew up. Even in later years after her own parents passed away, Cissy occasionally visited “Aunt Dottie.”
One day Dottie was showing Cissy the 85th birthday party photos. She remarked that one man in a photo (me) was one of her ministers. As events unfolded over the next year Cissy and I met, fell in love, and now she is my wife.
Cissy and I will always consider Dottie as a messenger like Cupid to help our love grow. Upon her “graduation” to heaven on Valentine’s Day, I can only imagine and wonder about Dottie’s joy of being reunited with her love, “Big Bill” Tate.
In the early hours of Valentine’s Day last week, Dottie Tate was released from her aged and weak body, as she passed on to glory. Last year Dottie celebrated her 92nd birthday. I met her almost 10 years ago when I moved to Big Canoe. She was known as the “grand dame” of our community.
Her southern drawl, her graceful body maintained from modeling days, her generous spirit, her zest and enthusiasm for life – all were elements of a lady who lighted up a room with her presence. One memorable night for me was her 85th birthday party when she danced to the tunes of the live band.
Her vibrant nature spilled over all with whom she came in contact. Everyone felt loved just to be around Dottie. “Miss Dottie” came to be even a more special woman to me. Here’s why ….
Years ago as a young man “Big Bill” Tate attended Georgia Tech. He met another student named Sunny Jones from Canton, Georgia. They became good friends.
When Bill married Dottie, and Sunny married Virginia, their friendship continued. Over the years, as couples, they played golf together. They played bridge. They partied together. When they had young children they went on vacations together.
Sunny and Virginia’s daughter, Cissy, grew up. Even in later years after her own parents passed away, Cissy occasionally visited “Aunt Dottie.”
One day Dottie was showing Cissy the 85th birthday party photos. She remarked that one man in a photo (me) was one of her ministers. As events unfolded over the next year Cissy and I met, fell in love, and now she is my wife.
Cissy and I will always consider Dottie as a messenger like Cupid to help our love grow. Upon her “graduation” to heaven on Valentine’s Day, I can only imagine and wonder about Dottie’s joy of being reunited with her love, “Big Bill” Tate.
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