Dorothy Eleanor Powell Gilstrap Dottie, age 70, of Cumming, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2018. Dottie had been employed in the Gwinnett Hospital System for more than 40 years before her retirement. She was a loving mother, grandmother and a dear friend. Dottie was always reaching out to others and her love and kindness will be missed by so many people she touched. She was a member of First Baptist Church Cumming and an active member of the Harmony Sunday School Class.
Her children and grandchildren were her life and she enjoyed being Mawmaw and all the fun times spent with them. She leaves for them the inspiration of her strength, her love of life and adventure, her faith and an amazing attitude about life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel M. and Imogene Johnson Powell.
Dottie was married to the love of her life Homer Gilstrap for 47 years before his death in 2004.
She is survived by her children, Kimberly and Jay Bruce, Edna and Ralph Webb; grandchildren, Ellie Webb, Katie Bruce, Charlie Webb and Maggie Bruce all of Cumming; sister and brother-in-law, Dale and Tim Roberts of Madison; sister-in-law, Peggy Powell of Cleveland; brother and sister-in-law, Webster and Brenda Cole of Woodstock; several nieces and nephews; Midge and Chigger Webb; and many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2565 Thompson Bridge Road, Suite 114, Gainesville GA 30501 or Childrens Healthcare Foundation, 3395 N. E. Expressway, Suite 100, Atlanta, Georgia 30341.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 1st at 2:00 pm at Ingram Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Bob Jolly officiating. Interment will follow in Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Shakerag. The family will receive friends at Ingram Funeral Home on Wednesday from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm and on Thursday from 11:00 am until hour of the service.
Ingram Funeral Home Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
Janice Russell loww wrote on Oct 18, 2019:
"I will never forget Dottie she left so many with wonderful memories of Gwinnett Medical Center.Her smile and genuine love for others touched so many even the ones that left but never forgot her. I was actually thinking of her today and unfortunately saw her death. I know that she left behind a legacy that will never leave sincerely,Janice Russell Lowe"
Gail G. Turner wrote on Mar 4, 2018:
"Edna and Kim - I remember your Mom's ever present kindness and bright smile from Big Creek days. What a special lady who brought joy to all. My heart goes out to you both. You will carry so much of your mother with you as you share and hold the values she, too, treasured. You will stay in our hearts and prayers."
Carla Kinney wrote on Mar 2, 2018:
"Dottie, you will be so missed!!! You are such an awesome lady and you touched so many lives, including mine. You are with our heavenly father now and I will see you again one day. Love you Dottie!!!!"
C.J. ODOM wrote on Mar 1, 2018:
"DOTTIE, I TRUELY LOVE YOU, WITHOUT YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT I WOULD NOT BE WHERE I AM TODAY.I AM SO BLESSED TO HAVE WORKED WITH YOU, AND TO KNOW YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY.C.J. ODOM"
Ginny Sharp Franz wrote on Feb 28, 2018:
"Her smile preceded her where ever she went! Blessings and Prayers for Dottie's family."
Expression of Sympathy wrote on Feb 28, 2018:
"An Elegance and Simplicity Standing Spray was ordered on February 28, 2018"
Expression of Sympathy wrote on Feb 28, 2018:
"A Garden Path Vase was sent on February 28, 2018With love and sympathy we remember your beautiful mother,
The Duclos Family"
Expression of Sympathy wrote on Feb 28, 2018:
"A Sweet and Warm Remembrance Table Arrangement was sent on February 28, 2018Dottie was a great friend and coworker. She influenced many technologist at GMC over the years that she worked there by sharing her knowledge and support. Our deepest sympathy. Margaret McMahon, Kristy Manning, John Poss, Russ McConkey, Shannon Huber, Dot Sather, Gillian Jones and Sandra Winfrey"
Libbie Hamilton wrote on Feb 28, 2018:
"Dottie lived her Faith, FAMILY and Love for others. Her loving heart and contagious smile warmed the hearts and soul of those she met. I'll miss you dear friend.Kimberly,Jay, Edna, Ralph and children; may God give you Comfort and Peace.My Love and Prayers to her family."
Kim Ford wrote on Feb 28, 2018:
"Dottie was a wonderful lady! Her smile could light up a room. I know her life has touched so many others. She was loved and respected by everyone that worked at GMC! My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the family at this difficult time. Kim Ford"
Expression of Sympathy wrote on Feb 28, 2018:
"A Spathiphyllum was ordered on February 28, 2018"
Carole Green wrote on Feb 28, 2018:
"Dottie and I were in training at Grady together. She was always one of my favorite people. I will remember her beautiful smile and I can still hear her laugh after all these years. Praying for the family and all who loved her."
Mary Doran wrote on Feb 28, 2018:
"I never saw her without her smile. Sweet and kind lady. You will be missed"
Ada Grissom wrote on Feb 27, 2018:
"You will be missed my dear friend. You were such a precious, precious lady. You touched so many people and that laugh of yours was contagious. I love you and I know you are in a better place with a new body free from pain. My thoughts and prayers are with your family."
Flo Doss wrote on Feb 27, 2018:
"A wonderful person and great friend. I will miss her phone calls, texts and our get togethers. Prayers to her family."
Kathryn Junod wrote on Feb 27, 2018:
"So sorry for your familys loss. Praying for Gods comfort and peace."