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Dorothy Lee "Dottie" Carlson's remarkable 89-year journey came to a peaceful end on Sept. 29, 2024, in Houston, Texas, where she was surrounded by her loving family.
Born on a summer day in 1935 in Mill Creek, West Virginia, Dottie brought warmth and light to everyone she met.
The daughter of Harold Kenneth and Frances Violet Kemp Updike, Dottie's legacy lives on through her daughters, Kari Coffindaffer (and husband Mark) of Lost Creek, West Virginia, and Angelia Mackey (and husband Martin "Dean") of Houston, Texas.
Her loving grandchildren include Carissa Coffindaffer, Jessica Coffindaffer, Matthew Coffindaffer, Carl Mackey and Christopher Nichols.
She was also blessed with three great-grandsons, Ashby, Grayson and Brooks Coffindaffer.
While she has joined her parents, husband Christopher "Buck" Carlson, son John Carlson, sister Harriet Woods, and beloved companion Warren "Put" Putman in eternal rest, her memory lives on through her sisters-in-law, Coryless Metheny and Cydell Palavido; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
Dottie's heart was big enough to embrace not just her own family but also Warren's children as her own. She is remembered with love by Warren's son, Duncan Putman (and wife Jeanette); daughters, Diana Putman (and husband Adam Messer) and Alexandra Putman; granddaughters, Kristen Corl, Bridget Laubacker and Clarissa Messer; and great-granddaughter, Claire Corl.
Known affectionately as the heart and soul of "Dottie's Darlings," her home-based daycare in Fairmont, West Virginia, she shaped countless young lives with her nurturing spirit. Her passion for learning and adventure never dimmed -- she traveled the world, tended her beloved gardens, and found joy in helping Put raise Boykin spaniels at Hawkridge Farm in West Virginia, where their legendary friends and family dinners brought loved ones together.
A proud graduate of Elkins High School's Class of 1953, Dottie's enthusiasm for learning led her to take classes at Fairmont State College throughout her life. Her involvement in summer theater productions there became a cherished family activity. Growing up in Elkins, Dottie participated in the annual Forest Festival Celebration in 1953. As a court Jester, she started a family tradition that many other family members followed. Her faith was central to her life -- from her early days in the Methodist youth fellowship to teaching Sunday school and lifting her voice in church choirs. In recent years, she found her spiritual home at Bellaire United Methodist Church in Houston.
Following Dorothy's wishes, she has been cremated.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins, West Virginia.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m., with Rev. Richard Bowyer officiating, followed by interment at Mt. Union Cemetery, Kedron, West Virginia.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.