Dorothy Swackhamer, a longtime Henderson resident, passed away peacefully at her home on September 29, 2024, with her youngest daughter by her side. Born May 19, 1924, in Fremont, NC, Dorothy lived a life to be admired by all. She was the kindest, most generous person that one could imagine.

Dorothy was raised on a farm in Fremont, NC. She graduated from Fremont High School and continued her education at Greensboro College, eventually graduating from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (Class of 1944) with a degree in Medical Technology. She took those skills to New Orleans, Louisiana where she became a Research Assistant in the LSU Medical School Pathology Department. This is where she met her future husband, William (Bill) Swackhamer, MD. She married Bill in April of 1950 and together they had 4 children. After spending 9 years in Jena, LA, the family moved to Henderson, NV in 1961. Dorothy spent the remainder of her life in Henderson.

Dorothy was widowed in 1976 and shortly thereafter became the office manager for Dr. Karl Hazeltine where she worked until she retired in 1990. After retirement she volunteered at the Henderson Senior Center and numerous other venues. She was an active member of the Henderson (United) Presbyterian Church, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, PEO Chapter R. Dorothy was a die-hard UNC-Chapel Hill alumni/fan. She loved watching the Tarheels play basketball and followed them religiously!

Dorothy had an amazing ability to recite poems and songs from memory and shared many memories of growing up in the Deep South in the 1920's and 30's. The lessons she learned from growing up during the Great Depression and World War II have been passed on to family members thru the many stories that she shared.

Dorothy was mother, grandmother, great-grandmother to her family, but also "Aunt Dottie, "Grandma Dot" and friend to many more. She was devoted to her family and absolutely adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be missed by everyone but is now reunited with her husband Bill and has left us with many lasting memories.

Dorothy is survived by her 4 children: Dottie Stratton, Bill Swackhamer (Tice), Bob Swackhamer, and Barbara Gillaspy (Grant). Grandchildren: Rod Stratton, Gerry Stratton (Briell), Wes Swackhamer (Michelle), Stephanie and William Swackhamer, Emily, Andrew, and Matthew Swackhamer, Kari Creamer (Mario) and Chris Gillaspy (Hope). Great Grandchildren: Brody and Luke Gillaspy, Josie and Ikaika Creamer, and Miles and Myla Stratton. She was pre-deceased by her parents Harvey and Mozelle Dickinson, husband Bill and her son-in-law Ed Stratton.

Dorothy's legacy of love, family, generosity and strength will live on thru the many lives that she has touched in her stay here on earth.

A huge thank you to her caregiver Leah Kennedy who took such wonderful care of her for the past 6 years! We would also like to thank Eldercare Hospice for the compassionate care they gave her the last year and a half of her life.

Memorial donations in Dorothy's name can be made to: The Henderson United Presbyterian Church, The Bower Fund (thebowerfund.org) or PEO Chapter R.

A "Celebration of Life" will be held at Palm Mortuary Boulder Highway Henderson on Friday October 25, 2024, at 11:00am.

We would like those attending to wear blue in honor of her love of Carolina! A reception at her home will follow the service.