Dorothy Ann Fugate

Dorothy Fugate, lovingly known to many as Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on Sunday, May 24, 2026, in Columbia at the age of 91. Born Dorothy Ann Scott on November 28, 1934, in Missouri, she was the beloved daughter of Lorene Cave and Thomas Fred Scott.

Dorothy was a woman of strength, resilience, and deep love for her family. She married Chester Fugate Sr. on January 12, 1953, and though the marriage later ended in divorce, Dorothy continued to build a life centered around her children and grandchildren. As a single mother raising five children, she worked tirelessly and selflessly to provide a home filled with love, guidance, and support.

She was a trusted and dedicated employee at Airport Motel in Mexico, Missouri, where she took pride in her work and earned the respect of many. Dorothy attended church from a young age in Mexico, Missouri, and later reaffirmed her faith through baptism at 2nd Christian Church in New London, Missouri. She was also a long time member of Columbia Church of Christ.

Dorothy loved life and found joy in many things. She enjoyed watching basketball and football games on television, playing scratch-off Tickets, traveling, and spending Time with family. She had an adventurous spirit, a caring heart, and a special way of making everyone feel welcome and loved. As the youngest of all her siblings, she was cherished deeply by her family and adored by everyone who knew her.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever treasure her memory: Chester Fugate Jr.; Beverly Galbreath; Greg Fugate; Debra Carter and husband Charles Carter; and Steve Fugate and wife Perlina Fugate. She was a proud grandmother to Bryant Fugate and wife Lanedra, Michael Fugate and wife Stephanie, Trish Galbreath-Varner and husband Devon, Lamon Galbreath and wife Charice, Shawn Fugate and wife Monique, Marcus Fugate and wife Dawana, Monica Gross and husband Tim, Dion Holden, Raymond Fugate and wife Deidra, Ryan Carter and wife Katie, Charniece Carter, Zhane’ Fugate, and Da’Shane’ Fugate. She was also blessed with 38 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Hubert Scott, Edward Lee Scott, James Robert Scott, RT Scott, Willa Mae Scott Lucas, Mary Opal Holt, Luvenia Washington, Herschel Scott, and Hazel Jean Scott; her daughter-in-law Thelma Miller Fugate; son-in-law Bruce Galbreath; and her beloved granddaughter, DeAndra Carter. Dorothy Ann Fugate will be remembered for her unwavering love for family, her strength through life’s challenges, her kindness, and the legacy of love she leaves behind. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A viewing for family and friends will be held on June 8th at 12:00 p.m., followed by funeral services at 1:00 p.m. at Dignity Memorial, located at 127 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, Missouri 65202. A Celebration of Life Gathering will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Columbia Church of Christ, located at 3100 Pioneer Drive, Columbia, Missouri 65202.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, love, and support during this time.