Dorothy Cathey Horne

Born September 19,1923, in Charlotte, N. C., Dorothy Cathey Horne peacefully passed away January 20, 2026. She is predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Charles Edward Horne; her parents, Andrew Lee Cathey and Carrie Hipp Cathey, as well as brothers, John Cathey of High Point, NC, Marvin Cathey of Huntersville, and sister, Thelma Cathey Taunt of Charlotte.

Throughout her life, Dot was an inspiration to those she met. Known for her positive attitude, she believed that negativity kept one from really enjoying living. And live she did!

She participated in many exciting aspects of life. As a child, she spent one summer with her family at Myrtle Beach, where she was a tour guide to Brook Green Gardens for those visiting her family. That was the summer she learned to dance! In high school, she loved playing basketball.

In her late teens, she found herself stepping up to support America. The war had begun and she signed up to be trained as a Rosie the Riveter. She was sent to the Pennsylvania State School of Aeronautics, where she learned to read blueprints, mic metal, and use tools including rivet guns necessary to repair airplanes. She was assigned to Morris Field in Charlotte, where she repaired damaged aircraft, and also at Army Air Corps Bases in Seymour Indiana and Sebring Florida.

In 1944, Dot married Charlie Horne, the love of her life. Two children, Belinda and Ed, resulted from their union. Their home was filled with Christian values and fun. They also enjoyed family trips and gatherings at the lake with friends, and delicious food.

She was an active member of St. James United Methodist Church, having been awarded lay person of the year, service pins from the United Methodist Women, and working on numerous Church fundraising projects.

A lifelong desire of Dot was to be a founding member of a church. When St. James and Chadwick United Methodist Churches merged to form a new Church, working with very capable people, Assurance United Methodist Church was created. For 17 years, Dot welcomed all as a greeter.

During her early senior years, along with husband Charles Horne and Ralph Easterling, she delivered Friendship Trays of food to those less fortunate. She thoroughly enjoyed her visits where she could share God’s love with the recipients. She loved travelling to Europe, and especially to the beach. She also enjoyed her bridge, garden, and book clubs, as well as art, sewing, and cooking.

When she was 90 years old, Dot moved to Aldersgate, creating many wonderful friendships. She was offered the opportunity to be involved in a writing class. At 96 she wrote her life story and appeared in an outstanding play, Acting Our Age, at Spirit Square.

Dot Horne loved to serve God, spend time with her friends, travel, and dance to Elvis’ music. Those of us who were fortunate enough to live with and love her are so grateful to have her strong, creative, sensitive and caring nature embodied in us. Among her survivors who are so blessed are Belinda Carol Horne, daughter; Charles Edward Horne, Jr. “Ed,” son, and wife Patricia Newsome Horne “Tricia” all of Charlotte; loving nieces and nephews and a myriad of highly valued friends and neighbors.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Assurance United Methodist Church, located at 9700 Mt Holly-Huntersville Rd, Huntersville, NC, 28078. Following the visitation, a memorial service will take place at the church at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Assurance United Methodist Church, Huntersville or Aldersgate-Givens Retirement Community, Charlotte.