Dorothy Faye Jennings Fitchett, 82, was a Valentine's Day baby and a lifelong resident of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. She left us on April 29, 2018 to be reunited with her beloved husband of fifty years, Bill Fitchett. Dot was best known as a loving mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, co-worker, volunteer, neighbor and friend to so many in the Tidewater area and beyond. She will be most greatly missed by her daughter, Marjorie Fitchett Dodd, son Michael Fitchett and wife Marian, and son William Fitchett. Also beloved to Dot as "Nana" are her South Carolina grandchildren Sean Dodd and wife Kyra, and Keri Dodd Driggers and husband Brice, and their father Tom Dodd; Texas grandson Thadd Fitchett and wife Mikayla; California granddaughters Larissa Fitchett Connors and husband Brendan, and Cara Fitchett Teeter and husband Jonathan; Minnesota granddaughter Casey Fitchett and mother Karen Wilson; and Pennsylvania grandson Evan Monroe Fitchett.
Dot was quite proud of her career, and with it the many lifelong friends she made, beginning in banking and ultimately settling into the financial arena at the NARDAC command in Norfolk. She also enjoyed working in full partnership with her husband Bill and son Michael in many real estate ventures; Dot was never timid about rolling up her sleeves to participate in demolition or to make renovated properties sparkle. Family and neighbors alike laughed out loud and shook their heads when as a 70-something she carried her oxygen while riding her lawnmower around the Riverpoint yard of which she was so proud. Dot was known to frequent the Fifth National Banque, line dancing to country songs with her girlfriends. As hobbies go, her love of gardening and bowling was only surpassed by her favorite pastime of visiting the casinos in Las Vegas. In the early 2000s Dot was actively involved as a member of Royster Memorial Presbyterian Church. She offered cancer patients the service of transportation as part of the "Lee's Friends" support program in Norfolk. Dot's additional volunteerism was most appreciated by the hospice patients with whom she visited, providing relief for their caregivers. Undoubtedly, though, Dot's greatest joy in her later life came from the hugs, kisses and time shared with her great-grandchildren Kya, Connor, TJ, Freyja, Lily and Fletcher.
The family is most grateful for the many close friends, especially neighbors Betty, Tom, Bernard, Tracy and Wirt, and friend/caregiver Vicki, who gave of themselves to make it possible for Dot to stay in her home and to bring her such joy. We also greatly appreciate the dedication and friendship provided by Dr. Mary S. Baker. Should friends desire, gifts to the Sentara Hospice House would help us express our appreciation for the quality care and the compassion shown by the professionals there during Dot's final days: https://www.tfaforms.com/385416
We look forward to sharing happy memories of Dot with her friends on Friday evening, May 11, at 6:00 p.m. at Smith and Williams Funeral Home, 4889 Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach. A memorial service is planned for Saturday afternoon, May 12, at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will welcome visitors at Dot's home after the service.
