The 104 year journey of Dorothy Wooten Butts came to an end on August 10, 2021. This extraordinary lady and beloved Memphian was born on her parents' farm near Coldwater, Mississippi on July 9, 1917. The only child of Dolphus Walter Wooten and his wife, Clara Smith, she was raised in an austere era to embody the skills and values expected of a true Southern Lady. Her quick mind established her as an excellent student and led her to attend the Mississippi College for Women. However, it was her natural grace, good humor, and positive outlook that made her a lifelong friend and favorite for so many. One such admirer, a dashing and charismatic young man named Cecil Butts, captured her heart for life with his famous humor and lovable charm. They married and moved to Memphis in 1936 where their only child, Dorothy Claire Butts (Hedrick), would be born in 1941. Claire embodied all the traits they most loved in each other and fulfilled all the joys and ambitions a parent has for their child. As a young family they shared epic adventures and cross country car trips including a 1951 summer trip from Memphis to Acapulco, Mexico which famously tested the limits of Cecil’s new invention: an ice block and rotary fan version of air-conditioning for cars. She enjoyed cooking for loved ones and was a talented seamstress. Dorothy believed in both God and the importance of science. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and especially loved serving many years as Treasurer for the United Methodist Women. Her strength, humility, and patience saw her through innumerable trials, losses, wars, cancer, and two global pandemics.
Resting on her bedside table was an old framed quotation that read, “The heart that loves is always young”.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Clara Smith Wooten, husband Cecil Butts, and daughter Dorothy Claire Butts Hedrick. She leaves her granddaughter Katherine Ann Hedrick of Brentwood, TN, and son-in-law Dan Hedrick (Riley) of Goodlettsville, TN. She also leaves grandson Todd Hedrick (Gabby) and great granddaughter Amelia Hedrick.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Kathy Alford, Roger and Valerie Tisdale, and Johnny Tribble for their tremendous support; her Lutheran Village Condominium family for their friendship; United Methodist Church members of Springdale (Dorothy was a member for 55 years), Highland Heights, and Raleigh for their love; Brookdale Assisted Living of Goodlettsville and Amedisys Hospice of Nashville.
Visitation from 11:00-1:00 followed by a funeral service from 1:00-2:00 on Monday August 16, 2021 at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN. Interment will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Independence, MS.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to: Raleigh United Methodist Church, 3295 Powers Rd, Memphis, TN 38128
