Dorothy May Hogue

Cocoa, Florida – Dorothy passed away peacefully at her home on August 4 at the age of 97. Born on March 7, 1924, at home at Eden Cottage in Sunderland, England, Dorothy was the only child of Eliza May and John William “Billy” Cooper. Her childhood was happy, with lots of cousins to play with. Like others at the time, she and her parents endured some hardships during WW II, and slept many nights in the reinforced cupboard under the stairs in case of bombings. Those war years made her strong and resourceful. Dorothy came to the USA from England in 1947 after meeting and marrying US Air Force Sgt. John R. Eaton during the war. The couple eventually made their home in Orlando, FL where they raised their children, Suzanne and John.

Dorothy is predeceased by her dear first husband, John (d.1966), her soulmate second husband and loving step-dad to her children, Willard G. “Bill” Hogue (d.1983), and by her “proper English gentleman” third husband, John Thomas “JT” Kinnair (d.1992). She was one resilient lady! Dorothy and Bill spent their retirement years at the cabin they built in the mountains of Balsam, NC until his passing. While in Balsam, she and Bill - then she and JT - were devoted members of the Hazelwood Baptist Church. After living alone in Balsam for many years, Dorothy came to Cocoa, FL in 2013 to live with Suzanne and Ted at their home on Rector Road.

In addition to several dear friends, some of whom called her “mom,” Dorothy will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Suzanne Elizabeth Eaton, and son-in-law, Ted Duay II; her son, John Cooper Eaton, and daughter-in-law, Danon “Danny” (Rockford, IL); granddaughter Denae Wolf (Steve), and great grandchildren, Wesson Jax, 9, and Kathryn May, 3 (Machesney Park, IL).

In addition to spending time with her family, Dorothy loved her mountain home and the many birds and hummingbirds which she fed from her deck overlooking the woods. That was her greatest pleasure. Known also as Dot or Dottie, she had many dear friends in both NC and FL and enjoyed having them over for tea and going out to lunch together. In Florida, one of her pleasures was her granddogs, all of whom loved their “grammy.” Dorothy was artistic and creative, gifted in many crafts including basket weaving, flower arranging, jewelry making, rug hooking, crocheting and knitting. In her later years, she was a wiz at crossword puzzles; her mind remaining sharp until the end.

We would like to thank the staff of Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice and her visiting aide, Laura, for their kindness and care during Mom’s last few months. Wiley-Baxley Funeral Home in Merritt Island is handling the cremation. A Celebration of Life service will be held at The Historic Derby Street Chapel, 121 Derby Street in Cocoa Village at 2:00 on Sunday afternoon, September 19. A reception will follow at Magnolia Hall, 5 Rosa Jones Drive, Cocoa. In lieu of flowers, we know Mom would appreciate donations to her beloved charity, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

We thank you all for your prayers for Dorothy as she went through this difficult journey. A faithful Christian, she was ready to take God’s hand and step into Paradise with her Heavenly Father.

God’s blessings to you.

Suzanne and John