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Obituary: Dorothy Dean Mays, Beloved Member of Hanceville Community

The Hanceville community is mourning the loss of Dorothy Dean Mays, a lifelong resident who passed away peacefully at her home on July 31, 2023. She was 84 years old.

Mays was born on [date of birth] to S.A. and Tressie (Allred) Dean. She graduated from Hanceville High School in 1957 and moved to Birmingham to work, where she met and married her husband, Billy. They were married for 52 years until his death in 2012.

A Life of Service

Mays was a dedicated member of the Damascus Missionary Baptist Church, where she served in various capacities throughout her life. She was also a member of the 91 Homemakers Club for over 50 years, the oldest existing homemakers club in Alabama.

Mays’ commitment to her community extended beyond her church and club involvement. She worked tirelessly as a secretary in the public works and building inspector offices for the City of Cullman until her retirement.

A Passion for Gardening

Mays had a lifelong passion for gardening. Her yard was a testament to her green thumb, with blooming flowers of countless varieties that she generously shared with friends and neighbors.

Known affectionately as “Ma Maw Dot” after the birth of her first grandchild, Mays passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She is survived by her children, Valerie Dotson and Jason (Cindi) Mays; her grandchildren, Christopher (Merrill), Joshua, and Avery Dotson, and Lindsey Mays; her step-grandsons, Lake Smith, Joshua Crumbley, Jason Crumbley, and Landen Crumbley; her sisters, Joan Hill, Patricia Ponder, and Beverly Dean; her sister-in-law, Mary Roberts; and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Dorothy Dean Mays will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, August 4th at the Damascus Missionary Baptist Church in Hanceville. Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Damascus Missionary Baptist Church in memory of Dorothy Dean Mays.

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