Eulogy written and delivered by Pamela Barnes Yates at her funeral mass 1/7/2011 -
DORA ELLEN KESSINGER, Dottie to most that knew her, was born Dora Ellen Kessinger, March 3rd 1926 in Charleston, West Virginia.  Her father was Harold Kessinger and her mother was Georgene Barnes Kessinger.  Dottie has one dear sister Maxine, who called her Dody, and this nickname grew into Dottie.  Dottie and Maxine's mother died at a young age and with Dottie being the older sister Dottie felt she needed to take care of Maxine.  Dottie and Maxine were cared for by their Grandmother Dora Mae Barnes as well as her Great- grandmother and then later by their Aunt Katie Barnes Taylor and her husband Vaught Taylor.  During all this Dottie continued to care for her sister Maxine.

Dottie grew up during the Depression Era and this along with the feeling that she needed to take care of her sister Maxine may have molded her into the person she was.  To some Dottie seemed controlling, but she did this because she felt she needed to protect those that she loved.

Dottie performed many jobs during her lifetime.  Dottie was a graduate of Kees Costal College in Norfolk, VA and the Barbizon School of Modeling in New York City.  Dottie worked as a telephone operator, worked in a grocery store, she was a model, and did charity work.  In the 1960's Dottie went to work for the State of California, working in different State Hospitals across the state.  Dottie worked for the State for 30 years before retiring in 1997.

Dottie was a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Dottie married Silas Whittington, also know as Whit, in 1952 on national television in New York.  Dottie's husband Whit was a Marine in the US Marine Corp.  While Dottie and Whit were married they had to travel to different stations in the world, including Paris, France.  While in Paris, Dottie and Whit traveled to Germany where they adopted their first child, a son, named Dennis Craig in 1954.  Next they were stationed back in the United States, North Carolina.  At this time they decided to adopt another child, a daughter, named Pamela Jeane in 1957.  Whit would often say that Dottie would have a houseful of children if she could.  But they stopped with the two.  Whit's next station was Hawaii for two years, then to Camp Pendleton, California.  Dotti and Whit were divorced in 1966.  Dottie moved to Camarillo with her two children and her niece.  There she worked at Camarillo State Hospital for two years.  Next, Dottie took a transfer to Patton State Hospital in Highland, California for the next four years.  Dottie then moved to Sacramento, California for 18 months.  Dottie's final move was to Fairview State Hospital in Costa Mesa, California, but lived in San Juan Capistrano.  Dottie and Whit decided to remarry in 1986 at St. John the Baptist Church in Costa Mesa.  Dottie and Whit divorced again six months later.  Dottie and Whit decided that they were better friends then spouses.  Dottie and Whit remained close friends and supported each other until Whit's death in 2001.

Dottie attended St. Edward's church since 1975.  After retiring Dottie was active with the San Juan Seniors and Dana Point Senior clubs, along with many other activities.  Dottie's health began to deteriorate after she retired.  She suffered a stroke, cancer, heart by-pass, and many broken bones.

Dottie is survived by her son, Dennis Craig Whittington, daughter Pamela Jeane Whittington Becker.  Grandsons, Christopher Lee Whittington and Bruce William Becker Jr. known as BJ.  Granddaughters, Traci Nicole Whittington Fernandez and Jennifer Jeane Becker.  Great-granddaughters, Aubrey Lee Whittington, Ashley Fernandez, and Dawn Fernandez.  Dottie is also survived by her extended family, Leticia Robinson, known as Tish and Domingo Bernal, known as JR and others.  Dottie is also survived by her close companion and pet, her little dog Princess Cuddles.

A friend is a friend is a friend.
And that sums up Dottie.
Dottie was a first class giver.
We loved her and her cheerful attitude and of course her wonderful paties with her and her family.
We have learned that love is stronger than death.
May her memory be a blessing.
Abe Kleiman

Dottie touched many lives.
Our relationship began as vendor/vendee and concluded as friend/friend.
Her support and encouragement for a new business venture was above and beyond any one that I encountered in the early days.
She was a giver and asked nothing in return. Maud and I spent many happy party times at her home and with her friends and family.
Good by dear friend.
Love is stronger than death and you will always remain in my memory.       Abe Kleiman

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Dora Whittington

3 mars 1925 – 12 décembre 2010

Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park

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