Dorothy Herndon Dewar

Dorothy Herndon Dewar, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, teacher, businesswoman, church woman, and friend who was loved by all, died on Sunday, January 4, 2009 at home surrounded by her family. She was born February 29, 1916, the eldest daughter of the late Matthew M. and Eva Carroll Herndon of Lake Park. Mrs. Dewar was the sister of the late Louise Herndon Nicholson of Valdosta.

She graduated from Lanier County High School and attended Valdosta State Women's College. As a young adult, she taught elementary school in Lake Park and Hahira. On April 15, 1936, she married the love of her life, James Lovett Dewar. They were married for over 70 years. Her active life was marked by her love and devotion to her family, church, community, and her countless friends. She supported her husband in every capacity, from the early days of teaching through his tenure as Superintendent of the Lowndes County Schools. Together they founded the Park Avenue Bank which opened for business in 1956 in a small building on the corner of Ashley Street and Park Avenue. Dorothy was Treasurer and Teller; she and James were its only two employees. Characteristically, in her genuinely kind and gracious manner she greeted each customer and depositor. The bank's success was greatly influenced by her sincere ability to connect with people and befriend each person she met. A lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, she served the community in various capacities including Parent Teacher Organizations of Valdosta schools, Wymodausis, and as a lifetime member and president of the Literary Guild. Though banking became their primary business, her appreciation for and devotion to education was central to her life. In April 2006, the Georgia Board of Regents dedicated the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education at Valdosta State University in her honor.

She is survived by her son, James Lovett Dewar, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Ellen Mackey Dewar; grandchildren, James Lovett Dewar, III, Rose Dewar Kerns, and their mother, Nancy Faulconer Dewar; grandson-in-law, Patrick Kerns; great-grandchildren, William Kerns, James Kerns and Caroline Rose Kerns; step-brother, Cleon Phillips, Jr.; step-sister, Sue Phillips Templeton; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Thomas Mason, Jr. and Dr. William Greer officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at Carson McLane Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church or the Dewar College of Education at Valdosta State University. Condolences to the family may be conveyed on the obituary page at www.mclanefuneralservices.com Carson McLane Funeral Home.




Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602