Dorothy Vaniman

Dorothy Gay "Dottie" Rockwood Vaniman, 83, of Brevard died on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Tore's Home after a period of declining health. Born in Brevard on April 12, 1931, she was the only child of the late Alvin and Jessie King Rockwood. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Having grown up in Brevard and having spent most of her adult life here, she was proud to be a native of Transylvania County and was very knowledgeable about the history of the community.
After graduating from Brevard high School in 1949, Dottie attended Brevard College and then went to Women's College, now UNC-G, where she earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Home Economics in 1953. She taught Home Economics at Hope Valley School in Durham for several years and then later at Rosman High School. She also worked as a teacher's aide and substitute teacher in the local school system. In the early 1970's she accepted the position of Manager of Food Service at the Brian Center, a position she held until 1977 when she had the opportunity to become the bookmobile librarian. She thoroughly enjoyed driving the bookmobile, distributing books, and most especially meeting all the people on her routes who shared with her stories from their lives, and in the summer, the bounty from their gardens. It was with mixed emotions that Dottie retired from the library in 1993.
Throughout the years Dottie was involved in numerous clubs and organizations. Following in her mother's footsteps, she joined the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 1963 and was instrumental in preserving and revitalizing the local Waighstill-Avery Chapter. At different times she served as Regent Treasurer and chaplain. In keeping with her sense of patriotism and interest in politics, she also served as precinct official for local elections for many years. Dottie was active in her church, St. Timothy United Methodist, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, and participating on various committees. During the 1960's and 1970's, Dottie also played an active role in Brevard Little Theatre, both on stage and off. In addition, she volunteered with the Transylvania Hospital Auxiliary, the Brevard Music Center's Harmony House and other civic and charitable groups.
Dottie had many diverse interests and hobbies. She enjoyed cooking, canning, and making jams and jellies; entertaining, sewing and knitting, doing a variety of crafts, listening to and making music, working outside in her yard, camping and reading. When she was in her 50's, she learned to play the harp and played for many weddings, receptions and other occasions, either solo or with the Blue Ridge Harp Ensemble. After her retirement, she also enjoyed some long-delayed traveling, including a memorable rafting trip down the Colorado River. While Dottie loved all animals, she was particularly fond of cats and had many wonderful feline companions over the years. No matter what, Dottie liked to have fun and maintained her quick wit and sense of humor despite her failing health.
Through her various and varied activities, Dottie touched many lives. She had a full life and lived it to its fullest.
Surviving Dottie are her daughter Gay Poor and husband David, her sweet cat, Sugar, and her long term care giver, Lynne Beeson.
The family expresses deep gratitude to her other caregivers as well: Christy, Tracie, Janice, Penny, Melissa and Kelly, who made it possible for her to stay at home as long as she did; and to the staff of Tore's Home #6 who made her time there as comfortable and cheerful as possible; and to Transylvania Hospice, who helped care for her with dignity and compassion.
A Memorial Service for Dorothy Rockwood Vaniman will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at St. Timothy United Methodist Church in Brevard with Rev. Ann Duncan officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tamassee DAR School, P.O. Box 8, 1925 Bumgardner Dr., Tamassee, SC 29686, The Sharing House of Brevard, St. Timothy United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.

To leave a condolence for the family of Dorothy R. Vaniman, please visit "obituaries" at www.moore-fh.com .
Moore Funeral Home & Cremation Services is caring for the family.