Dorothy "Dot" Ledford Withers

Dot graduated from Glen Alpine High School and obtained her teaching degree from Berea College in Kentucky. After marrying Albert Withers in March 1958, the couple moved to Gaston County where Dot began her elementary teaching career for Gaston County Schools. She continued dedicated service to generations of students for 38 years where she was honored for her teaching services from the Gaston County chapter of the North Carolina Association of Educators, Inc.

After retiring from Gaston County Schools, Dot turned her passion for teaching to adult learning. She volunteered for 15 years with the Gaston Literary Council teaching adults to read and receiving the Celebrate Literacy Award from the Council. For 12 years she faithfully delivered Meals-on-Wheels, sharing with the meals her care, concern and compassion for the recipients. As member of Myers Memorial United Methodist Church for 58 years, Dot was faithful to her Savior and Church by teaching Sunday School, overseeing acolytes and volunteering for many church ministries. The Church recognized her commitment with the Outstanding Service to Christian Education Award.

In addition to her parents, Dot was predeceased by her loving husband, Albert Darry Withers, a sister, Wanda Norman, and a brother, Carmie Ledford. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Darry Withers, and his wife, Paula, of Gastonia; sister Barbara Rueger and husband, Dr. Bill Rueger, of Ohio; Grandsons Chris Cannupp and wife, Sandy Ann, of Mount Holly; DJ Cannupp and wife, Ashton, of Unionville; Chandler Cannupp and girlfriend, Mollie Kush, of Oregon; multiple nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at Carothers Funeral Home in Gastonia, with Rev. Sally Queen officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the funeral home prior to the service, which is open to the public. Interment will be at Gaston Memorial Park after the funeral service. The funeral service will be livestreamed on the Carothers Funeral Home Facebook page starting at 3:00 PM.

For those who wish to remember Dot in a special way, a donation to Myers Memorial United Methodist Church, 301 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia, NC 28054, may be made in lieu of flowers.