Dorothy Jane Melton Slaten, age 90, of Whitesboro was welcomed into Heaven on September 24, 2022. Dorothy had an amazing life with her husband of 42 years, LD “Red” Slaten, who preceded her in death on November 8, 1994. They had 3 daughters, Debbie, and husband, Jimmy Don Neely, Jana Kniss, and Trina Slaten, who was present to welcome her with open arms having also preceded her in death in 2019.
An active member of the community, Dorothy was involved in Eastern Star for over 50 years, First United Methodist Church – Whitesboro, History Club, and the Red Hat Society. After having been a beautician since 1951, she retired her clippers in 1994, though she continued to work for Meador Funeral Home on an as needed basis.
Dorothy’s world revolved around her family. She always hurried clients out the door on a Friday afternoon so she would not miss her girls in a single basketball game or track meet. She cherished the opportunity to bake and cook for family and friends alike and spent hours in the kitchen. When she was not in the kitchen, she could be found completing yard work, until the girls said enough when she was 75! Dorothy was an avid magazine reader and subscriber (any and all) and never hesitated to place an order. Sunday school and Church were her home away from home.
Dorothy is survived by a large, loving family, both in blood and love. Survivors include: four grandchildren, Tennille Center and her partner, Emily “Faith” Kubowski; Josh Kniss and wife, Micah; Myranda Minota, Myrisa Banks and husband, Christopher; she was blessed with ten great-grandchildren, Jash and Laila Center-Mertins and Elowen Kubowski, Katelyn Metcalf, Jimmy, Wyatt and Max Kniss, MJ Minota, Ethan Rucker and Dionne Banks, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. She is also survived by siblings, Wayne Melton and his wife, Karen, Bill Melton, sisters-in-law, Lydia Melton, and Linda Melton. Also surviving are her special friends, Betty Martin and Ernestine Stofle who were more like sisters, and Janelle Jackson, Christi Craig, Brenda Quick and Brenda Caldwell who were her chosen daughters.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her mother and father, Ruth and Roy Melton, brothers, Joe Melton, Jimmy and his wife, Margaret Melton, Mac and sister-in-law, Karen Melton, and Royce Melton, sisters, Peggy Melton, Linda Clark and her husband James, sister-in-law, Dianna Melton, Ann Allred and husband, Doyce, Jenny and husband Jerry Culpepper and son-in-law, Larry Dean Center.
We would like to thank Dr. Bradley Rue and his staff, and Birdie Hospice for the excellent care they have given our mother.
Pallbearers are Jimmy Don Neely, Josh Kniss, Rick Melton, Mike Allred, Kenneth Melton, Jeff Melton, David Melton, Royce Melton, Phillip Melton, Charlie Melton and Mark Petty.
The funeral and visitation honoring Dorothy will take place on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Whitesboro, 124 Center St. with visitation from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the funeral services at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro.
So sorry for your loss
Your family is in my prayers
Debbie Shirley and I are sorry to hear of Dorothy passing prayers for you and the family
She was a gem of a lady. I love to her her talk. Her generosity is legend. I know how much she’s missed. I miss her and barely got to know her. She was always putting my name on magazine subscription cards ????.
RIP Dorothy.
My condolences to you all
Billy and Rita Mangrum will miss Dorothy she was very active and a very good cook… she was always a delight to be around…
Ms. Dorothy is now resting peacefully – Ecclesiastes 9:5 & 10
Prayers for your family. Dorothy was a sweet lady.
Debbie and Jana, I am so sorry about your Mom passing. I am praying for your family, for God’s comfort and support.
My heart is sad to hear Dorothy has left us but I know God has given her a crown of gold.She was so special to many and will never be forgotten .RIP Dorothy love u .
Debbie, your mom was such a treasure and you took such great care of her!God bless you as you say that last “Goodbye!”
So sorry for your loss. My mother,
Bettye Alexander, spent her Fridays in Dorothy’s beauty salon for years. They had the best time! Then when my mother passed, Dorothy did us the honor of doing Mama’s hair and makeup❤️
We are so sorry to hear about Dorothy. May your wonderful memories of her help you find peace during this time.
Thinking of you~
Sweetest Nanny! I will always treasure all my memories of you. ❤️ Red is waiting for you and so is Trina. ❤️
I am sorry for your family’s loss. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Debbie & Jana and Jimmie. You know Dorothy loved you all more than your know. She will always have a special place in my life. l
Truly sorry for your loss, Debbie and Jana. It’s hard when we lose our mothers. Praying for all of you.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our deepest sympathy. May you get through this difficult time, with prayer and comfort from friends and family
Debbie, Jana & Family,
My deepest condolences over Nanny’s passing. A sweet and delightful lady if there ever was one, I will never forget her kind, warm nature…nor will I forget her delicious pies! 🙂
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
She was “everybody’s ” aunt. She was a role model to all. I’ll miss her smile & her stories. As o glad I paid attention & learned how to fix fried chicken. Love this wonderful human.. till I see you again.
My heart is with you today as you. celebrate your sweet mother. She touched many lives. May those sweet memories help as you say an earthly goodbye. God will hold you in His arms.
Truly sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and the family.
So sorry for your loss of your dear mother! We are sending prayers for you and your family.
Debbie & Jana your mother was awesome, just like her mother, Ruth! She always asked about my boys, loved just like hers. Carolyn and I cherished talking with her. Love and prayers for each one of y’all at this time.
So sorry for your loss. An absolute gem of a lady! She will be missed
Johnny and Susan