Dorothy Eller Sowers
Dorothy Eller Sowers, 86, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2023, at her home in Dublin, Va. Dorothy was born in Purlear, N.C. on January 29, 1936, to the late Gilbert Clayton and Fannie Elizabeth Eller.
Dorothy retired from American University in Washington, DC. After retiring, Dot lived her life to the fullest. She loved to travel, especially to her late daughter’s home in Florida and she also loved going to watch her great nephews’ basketball games that were up and down the East Coast. She enjoyed going to visit her friends, going out to eat and at times shopping.
Dot was a volunteer at Highland Ridge Rehab Center for over 25 years. She said she loved to make others smile and she would spend several hours daily, playing bingo, talking to the residents and bringing them lots of magazines, costume jewelry and whatever they ask her for. Dot made forever friends but when COVID hit, and she was unable to volunteer she missed the residents terribly.
Dot loved her Dublin High School class of ‘54 classmates, and they all stayed in touch through the years.
Dot never met a stranger. She loved meeting new people and sharing stories with them about her family, her friends or just life in general.
Dot was a spunky lady, she loved being the center of attention, especially with her blue and purple hair, and she loved to dress up and put on all her “Bling bling”. Dot was a classy, one-of-a-kind woman and once you met her…You would definitely never forget her!
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents Gilbert and Fannie Eller; her late husband, Paul Sowers; her daughter, Sherry E. Showalter; sisters, Billie McNeil, Joan Rickey, Betty Hix and Linda McDonald; her brothers, Doyle, Frank, Bud and JT Eller; and her nephew, Todd Gilbert Loy.
Dorothy is survived by her niece, Angela D. Loy who had been her caregiver for the last few years; her daughter-in-law, Dorothy Brown; nephews, Tony and Jerry Rickey; nieces, Cindy Lou Murphy snf Brenda O’Neal; great nephews, D’Vante Todd and Kamryn Elijah Edwards; and her great great nephew Kullen Todd Edwards. Dot is also survived by numerous cousins and a very special friend, Inez Tracy. Angela would like to thank Intrepid Hospice and Care Advantage for providing exceptional care to her Aunt.
Per Dot’s request, her body was donated to the Anatomical Division, Virginia Department of Health for scientific study, teaching, research, or other purposes.
A celebration of life will be held in the summer.
The Sowers family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com
