On the wings of faith, Dorothy Lee Hardy Walton made her transition from her earthly dwelling to the promise of eternal rest.

Quietly on Sunday morning, October 31, 2010, she left these mundane shores to answer the roll call reserved for the faithful in Christ.

Dot as she was affectionately called devoted her life to hear the words “well done thy good and faithful servant enter into the joy of the Lord.”

Dorothy was born in Roxobel, N.C. to the late Thomas and Helen Bush Hardy on October 28, 1929. Her parents placed high value on education and made numerous sacrifices to educate their children. Early in life, she realized that education was the key to success. She received her formal education in the public schools of Bertie County, N. C. Following her graduation from high school, Dot moved to Portsmouth, Virginia and attended Norfolk State College (University). She graduated from Virginia State College (University) and Hampton Institute (University) when she received her Master’s Degree in Supervision and Administration.

In June 1947, she married her husband Coolidge Walton and to this union, she was blessed with her only child, Carolyn Walton.

Dot’s ambition, drive and determination as an achiever were instrumental in her becoming an astute businesswoman. As an entrepreneur, when an opportunity presented itself, she had the foresight and vision to design a business plan and then implement it.

Mrs. Walton began her career as a teacher in 1955. She had an unflagging work ethic as a teacher in the Portsmouth Public Schools. During her tenure in Portsmouth, she was a teacher, assistant principal and Title I administrator. Upon her retirement in 1992, she had taught, trained and assisted many religious, civic and professional leaders of the city.

An ardent traveler, she charted many miles with the Merry Makers Club, her relatives and friends. In May of 2000, she visited the Holy Land and Egypt culminating a life long dream. She frequently organized and coordinated trips to New York City, Orlando, Fla. and Hershey, P.A., among others for her sorority, church and various clubs. If there was a job to be done in any of these venues, Dot was the one to perform it to perfection.

Her home was a proverbial “house by the side of the road”: for she was a friend to many. She assisted those in distress, offered a hand up to those in need and she was a willing contributor to any worthy cause. She became a foster parent to Lottie and Bobby who lived in her home until they became adults.

She was as a member of St. John Baptist Church, Portsmouth, VA where she was a trustee, a member of its finance committee and the Senior Advisor.

She was a life member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Vice-President of the Merry Makers Club, Pan Hellenic Council, Colonial Point Civic League and the Lawanda Club.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Helen Hardy; husband, Coolidge Walton; and sister Audrey Ruffin. She leaves a wonderful legacy of memories for her daughter, Carolyn; her loving granddaughter, Dasherra; siblings – Maggie Boone, Greensboro, N.C., Emma Johnson, Aulander, NC and Thomas Hardy, Portsmouth, VA; brother-in-law,  Warren Walton, Lewiston, NC; and sister in law Thelma Walton, Lewiston, NC; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and devoted friends and associates.