Dorothy Park Obituary

Dorothy Lillian Barton Park CHAPIN, SC - Dorothy Lillian Barton Park, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died at the age of 101 on Tuesday, June 20. She was born on Sept. 29, 1921, in Charleston, S.C. to Mamie Johanna Rabens and Albert Joseph Barton. Dot, as she was affectionately known, left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her, and her legacy will be cherished for generations to come. Dot's formative years were spent in the family grocery store in the racially diverse community of North Charleston, S.C. She developed strong values of inclusivity and compassion, which shaped her outlook on life. Her deep-rooted faith and involvement in the Lutheran Church further reinforced her commitment to serving others. After graduating from Newberry College, Dot taught elementary school in Charleston before marrying the love of her life, Conrad Ballentine Park, in 1943. While she became an accomplished homemaker and renowned baker, her most fulfilling role was that of a devoted wife and mother. One of Dot's professors wrote in her yearbook that she was someone "who could always be counted on to get things done." Throughout Conrad's career in higher education, Dot provided unwavering support. She was an anchor for her family, providing love, guidance and encouragement to their five children: James Barton Park, George Bennet Park, David Conrad Park, Charles Albert Park and Dorothy Johanna Park. That support and encouragement extended beyond her children to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who held a special place in her heart. Dot's commitment to her faith was evident in her involvement in various aspects of the Lutheran Church. She was a pioneer in volunteering for Lutheran Hospice. Her dedication to helping others extended beyond the church, including as an organizer and founding member of the Delta Mu Chapter of the Kappa Delta Sorority at Newberry College. She served as an Alumni Advisor for many years and was known for her homemade brownies. Dot was predeceased by her parents, Albert Joseph Barton and Mamie Johanna Rabens, as well as her husband, Conrad Ballentine Park, and sons, James Barton Park (Jennifer Wilson Park) and Charles Albert Park (Rosanna Andolfo Park). She was also preceded in death by her granddaughter-in-law, Lisa Michele Transiskus Park (Karen Elizabeth Park). Dot is survived by sons, George Bennet Park and David Conrad Park (Debra Roberts) and daughter, Dorothy Johanna Park (Thomas Ketchen); her seven grandchildren, Karen Elizabeth Park, George Matthew Park (Wren Fullagar), Emily Ellen Park, David Clay Park (Tracy Watkins), Michael James Park (Jennifer Thomas), Julia Giovanna Park Miller (Chris Miller) and Bryan Jehlen Park; her 11 great-grandchildren, Dylan Jameson Park, Joseph Matthew Park, Abbie Marie Libke, Ella Rae Libke, Lillian Gael Park, Charlize Miller, Naomi Joy Miller, Maya Rose Miller, Remington Charles Park, Riley Julia Park and Oliver Kelly Park. The family would like to express its deep gratitude to the caregivers from Hands and Hearts Home Care, LLC, and the nurses and staff of Lutheran Hospice for their exceptional care in Dot's final months. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Dot's memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Lutheran Homes of South Carolina Indigent Care or Lutheran Hospice of South Carolina, in support of the organizations that were dear to her. The funeral will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at the Heritage at Lowman Chapel, 2101 Dutch Fork Road, Chapin, SC, 29036. The service will be followed by a visitation. Burial will take place at 4pm in Rosemont Cemetery, 2699 College St., Newberry, SC 29108. Dorothy Lillian Barton Park lived a life filled with love, compassion and service to others. Her unwavering dedication to her family, her community and her faith serves as an inspiration to us all. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the Park family. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston