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Dorothy S. Justiss, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, at the age of 81 in Auburn, AL. She was born on June 17, 1943, in Valley, AL, to the late O.P. and Vernon Ware. Dorothy was the embodiment of love and kindness to all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Marc Justiss; her daughters, Karen Whitehead and Kelli (Kenny) Howard; her three granddaughters, Laura (Casey) Anglin, Jordan (T.J.) Newman, and Holly (Brandon) Elliott; her six great-grandchildren, Brooks and Baylor Anglin, Scarlett and Ava Newman, and Emma and Zoey Elliott; her brother-in-law, Emery (Patricia) Justiss; nieces and nephews, Angie Lawson, Marlon and John Gabriel, Lindsey Jaramillo, Shane Justiss, and Tod Sanders. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, O.P. and Vernon Ware; her sisters, Judy Gabriel and Cheryl Ware; her father and mother-in-law, L.L. and Buena Justiss; and her brother and sister-in-law, Carey (Bill) Tucker. A special thank you to Diane Joyner and Adanna Evans for their care and compassion.
A woman of many talents and boundless creativity, Dorothy could do it all—drawing house plans, sewing anything from beautiful clothes to various items for different occasions, arranging flowers, fixing electronics, woodworking, painting, and cooking her family’s famous "Bebbo Biscuits." There was nothing she couldn’t do. She generously shared her time and talents with all who knew her.
She began her professional journey at Southern Discount in West Point, GA, before transitioning to the Chambers County School District, where she drove a school bus. Dorothy’s most notable career years were spent at Ted Merritt Construction, and she later retired from Valley Parks and Recreation. Her diverse skills and talents led her to a variety of rewarding roles throughout her life, each one reflecting her hardworking nature and dedication.
Dorothy’s faith was evident as a devout member of Riverview First Christian Church, where she volunteered her time with various administrative duties. She will be remembered for her friendly and fun spirit, her unwavering love for family and friends, and her strength and dedication. She leaves behind a legacy that will live on through the many lives she touched.
A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. EST at Johnson Brown Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Reverend Brad Reed will officiate the service. The family is accepting flowers, or donations can be made to Riverview First Christian Church.
Please visit Dorothy’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com top leave a kind word for her family, to share a memory of Dorothy, or to light a Remembrance Candle in her memory.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy S. Justiss, please visit our floral store.