Dorothy D. Swackhamer

Dorothy D. Swackhamer, age 100, of Henderson, Nevada passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024. She was the only child born to Harvey and Mozelle Dickinson on the family farm in Fremont, North Carolina.

Dorothy graduated from High School in Fremont, NC at the age of 16 and continued her education at Greensboro College; graduating from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology (Class of 1944). She took those skills to New Orleans where she worked in the Pathology Lab at LSU Medical School as a lab technician. This is where she met her future husband, William D. Swackhamer, MD.

Dorothy and William were married on April 22, 1950 in Fremont Methodist Church in Fremont, North Carolina. They had four children together who were all born in Louisiana. In 1961, the family moved to Henderson, Nevada where her husband became a member of the Henderson Medical Clinic. Dorothy was widowed in 1976 and soon after became the office manager for Dr. Karl Hazeltine. She worked in the office until he retired.

Dorothy was a friend to many people, many of who called her Grandma Dot or Aunt Dottie. She opened her home to many people, whether it be to live there for a while or for some social event. She had a smile that would light up any room that she entered. She was a die-hard Tarheel (UNC-Chapel Hill) fan, especially basketball. She always said “Tarheel born, Tarheel bred, when I die I’m a Tarheel dead”.

Dorothy will be missed by everyone, but she is now reunited with her husband (Bill) and she has left us with many lasting memories of her and her family.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Dottie Stratton, Bill Swackhamer Jr (Tice), Bob Swackhamer, MD, and Barbara Gillaspy (Grant); grandchildren: Rod Stratton, Gerry Stratton (Briell), Wes Swackhamer (Michelle), Stephanie Swackhamer, William Swackhamer, Emily Swackhamer, Andrew Swackhamer, Matthew Swackhamer, Kari Creamer (Mario) and Chris Gillaspy (Hope); and great grandchildren: Brody Gillaspy, Luke Gillaspy, Ikaika Creamer, Josie Creamer, Miles Stratton and Myla Stratton. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, William Swackhamer, M.D., and her son-in-law Ed Stratton.

A celebration of life for Dorothy will be held Friday, October 25, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Palm Mortuary - Henderson, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015.