Dorothy Lorraine Heath

Dorothy Mallory Heath, 92, went home to the Lord on January 8, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Dail Heath, Sr.; her parents, Charles and Mattie Mallory; five brothers and a sister, Mary Ann Davis.

She is survived by her four children, Carolyn Heath Brumley, Richard Dail Heath, Jr. (wife, MaryBeth), Brenda Heath Breeland (husband, Charlie) and Teresa Whitehurst Mellon. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Andrea Holloman (husband, Christopher), Christy Abulencia (fiancé, Kyle), Heather Brumley, Richard (Buddy) Ricciardi (wife, Hannah), Jennifer Heath Stilwell (husband, Joey), Jessica Heath, Christy Sughrue (husband, Matthew), Robert Hines, Christopher Hines (wife, Christina), Blair Breeland Bedinger (husband, Robert), Gary Whitehurst (wife, Sarah) and Aaron Whitehurst. She also had thirteen great-grandchildren: Everett Holloman, Aidan Abulencia, Austin Abulencia, Isla Perry, Caleb Mendez Ricciardi, Isabella Mendez Ricciardi, Clay Downey, Anton Stilwell, Annabelle Stilwell, Kayla Hines, Robin Hines, Benjamin Whitehurst, Madison Whitehurst. She also leaves Sally Keiningham and many others whose lives she touched.

Dorothy was born in Hampton, Virginia. She grew up on the family dairy farm, Mallory Dairy. She loved eating vegetables right out of the garden and riding her horse. After her marriage, she and her husband founded Heath Linoleum and Tile in the Tidewater area. She was the bookkeeper for the business for 40 years. Seventy-five years later, the business continues in the hands of their son.

Dorothy lived a full life, and had many interests and passions. She was a great seamstress, and sewed dresses for herself and her girls, as well as costumes for her grandchildren. She hosted many parties in her day, and loved cooking and baking for her family during the holidays. She was always involved in arts and crafts, crochet and cross-stitch. She loved flowers and gardening. She often cut flowers for the house from her beautiful gardens. She enjoyed boating, traveling, RV-ing and shopping.

Dorothy was a devoted wife and mother. She dearly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. She was the neighborhood mom to many.

Dorothy had a strong faith in Christ. Though her family will miss her dearly, it is a great comfort knowing she is at peace in the kingdom of God.

There will be a private family service at Woodlawn Funeral Home. Please visit www.WoodlawnNorfolk.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.