Dorothy Cathryn Prestwood Bumgarner, age 90, of Lenoir, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022 at Grace Hospital in Morganton, NC. She was born May 5, 1931 to the late John M. Prestwood and Ollie Roberta Miller Prestwood. Preceding her in death were her husband of 59 years, Grover F. Bumgarner, brother Ward G. Prestwood and sisters Betty P. Setzer and Sarah P. Kimberlin. Her memory is cherished by her children Mary O. Bumgarner (Cary Lewis), John J. Bumgarner (Elizabeth) and Janice E. Bumgarner, grandchildren William Bumgarner (Ashley) and Jessie Bumgarner, great-grandchildren Owen and Liam, sister-in-law Nancy Prestwood and many beloved nieces and nephews and extended family.
Dorothy graduated from Hudson High School in 1950 and enjoyed helping plan many high school reunions. From her career as the secretary/bookkeeper for Baton Elementary School (covering 32 years) her coworkers describe her as a jack of all trades, the center of calm and a trusty rock. She also held offices in the NC Association of Education Office Personnel both before and after retirement.
Family and friends will tell you that no one loved deeper or tried harder to help the people she loved than Dorothy. Her patience was legendary. She was a multitalented lady who made award winning quilts, grew flowers that stopped traffic, traveled the entire country on bus tours and was a very active member of Colliers United Methodist Church. She served her church for decades in so many ways: working with the youth, the boards, administrative office and the United Methodist Women’s Society. Yet with all her talents and hard work, she remained humble, always thinking of others rather than herself.
Viewing will be held at Colliers United Methodist Church on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 1:00 PM until 1:55 pm, followed by a service in the sanctuary at 2:00 PM and then a short graveside service across the street in the church cemetery. Please wear masks. In addition, the sanctuary service will be broadcast at 87.9 FM so you may listen from your car in the church parking lot. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Colliers United Methodist Church Relief Fund, 2625 Clarks Chapel Road, Lenoir NC 28645.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com.
Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Dorothy Prestwood Bumgarner.
