Obituary: Dortha “Dottie” Nell Hembree

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After 96 years of life lived to the highest, Dortha “Dottie” Hembree stepped from this world into heaven on November 10, 2024, in Cullman, Alabama; her home for over 9 decades.  Dortha Nell Bates was born in Birmingham, Alabama on January 19, 1928, to Elbert and Melissa Bates. 

Dottie was an alumni of Cullman High School. After graduation, at the age of 18 she met and married the love of her life Dorsey “Doc” Hembree on November 22, 1946.  They celebrated 62 years of marriage before his passing on March 6, 2008.   Throughout their marriage, they were faithful members of First United Methodist Church of Cullman. 

Dottie worked for several decades as a medical secretary for area doctors in Cullman. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Doc Hembree; twin girls Carrol Faye & Pamela Kay; sister Eulalah Morris; brothers James and Elbert Bates; sisters-in-laws Gracie Grissom and Christine Patrick; brother-in-law Buell Hembree. 

Dottie is survived by her sons Frank Hembree and his wife Lexie of Rainbow City, AL; Mike Hembree and his wife Cathy of Benton, LA; and “adopted” son and daughter-in-law Chris & Marsha Nielsen of Cullman, AL. 

Grandchildren:  Chris Hembree and wife Megan; Lindsay Barnes and husband Millard; Jennifer Barnes and husband Britton; Laura Knighton and husband Scott; Cassandra Luthringer and husband John. 

Eleven great grandchildren Ella, Lily, & Will Hembree; Sloane and Kate Barnes; Jillian and Georgia Barnes; Charlie and Jackson Knighton; Johnny and Jace Luthringer. 

The loss of Dottie will leave an empty spot in the lives of her family and her many loving friends. 

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all the employees at Westminster Assisted Living for their care, Kindness, love, and dedication shown to Dottie during her 8 years as a resident. 

Services for Dottie will be held Friday, November 22nd, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Moss-Service Funeral Home Chapel, 1901 2nd Avenue, N.W., Cullman, Alabama 35055. Family will receive friends for a visitation from 10 a.m. until the service time at 11 a.m., with interment to follow at Cullman City Cemetery, 812 9th Ave SW, Cullman, Alabama 35055.  

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Westminster “Activities Funds” at Westminster Assisted Living. (256) 255-0361. 

Moss Service Funeral Home directing.