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Dorothy Mae Waples, age 77, transitioned peacefully from her earthly body on Saturday, July 12th, 2025 in the presence of her family.
Born as the eldest of three children to Charles E. and Mildred Pettyjohn, on February 4th 1948, Dorothy was raised in Ellendale, DE, graduating as Class Valedictorian of William C. Jason Comprehensive High School in 1966. Known affectionately as “Dot” to friends and family, she continued her education at both Delaware Technical and Community College and Delaware State College. Dorothy’s career spanned many jobs, retiring from Sears in 2015.
Dorothy was devoutly religious and a long-time member of The Pentecostals of Dover, DE Church, formerly Kent Christian Center. She could be seen in worship at most Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening services and spent numerous hours studying the Bible and applying its lessons to her daily life.
Dorothy was dedicated to providing strong core values and sharing memories with her husband, her two children, and her grandchildren. She was fully committed to providing a sound family structure, never missing her children’s sporting events, band competitions and concerts, or school activities. Dorothy loved her family, especially her grandchildren, and would light up with joy during their calls and visits. She enjoyed challenging her aptitude with puzzles, word searches, and a variety of game shows.
Dorothy’s devotion to her family and friends was always evident, providing love and support in any and all ways possible. She went out of her way to enrich the lives of those around her and worked tirelessly to build an amazing journey for her friends and family.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Charles E. and Mildred Pettyjohn, her brother Charles T. Pettyjohn, Sr., her grandchildren Kameron and Baby Girl Parker, and her nephews, Jerome and Harold Crump. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Olden Waples, Jr., children Michael Waples (Donna Pleasanton) and Kelly Parker (Micah Sr.), and grandchildren Ryan Waples, Micah Parker Jr. and Layla Parker. She will also be immensely missed by her brother Harold Pettyjohn (Sandora Crump), her nephews Charles T. Pettyjohn Jr. (Laini) and Brian Pettyjohn, and a host of cousins, in-laws, extended family, and friends.
A visitation will be held Friday August 1st from 9 AM - 10 AM at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 425 N DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901, with a service to celebrate Dorothy’s life and legacy to follow at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Sharon Hill Cemetery.
Dorothy’s online remembrance page can be found at familyfirstfuneralservices.com.
