Dorothy Wingfield Obituary
Dorothy "Dottie" Anne Wingfield, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, on Daniel Island, South Carolina, at the age of 84 after a short illness.
Born on February 10, 1941, in Panama City, Florida, Dorothy lived a life marked by love, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. As a child, Dottie grew up in a family that moved often, spending her early years between Florida and Massachusetts. It was during her time in Massachusetts that she discovered her lifelong love of snow and created some of her happiest memories with her beloved Uncle Harry and Aunt Agnes. These joyful times became stories she treasured and shared throughout her life.
Growing up, Dottie was a long-time resident of Central Florida, living her early years in College Park and graduating from Edgewater High School in 1958, during which she enjoyed spending time at New Smyrna Beach & Sanlando Springs. She married John Wingfield Sr. in 1960 and moved to the West Oakridge area of Orlando (Laurel Park & Camellia Gardens), where they had five children over the next 12 years. As a dedicated homemaker and elementary school office administrator at Sadler Elementary, her days were filled with caring for others. She was happiest when surrounded by children, especially her own, and later, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Affectionately known by her grands as "Mama", "Grandma", and "GeeGee", she was the heart of the family.
In the 1960's-80's, Orlando was still a small town, and Dottie was devoted to her children. She always found time and resources to take her kids to picnics at Lakes Eola and Eleanor, trips to Boone Park, swim lessons at the "Y", cub scout meetings, athletic practices, dance recitals and an occasional dinner at Morrison's downtown. She always found a way to make sure the children had the small things that were so important to them, like Converse tennis shoes, Levi jeans or a Ron Jon's t-shirt. Special birthdays & anniversaries were celebrated at Gary's Duck Inn. During those years, the Wingfield house was a lively place with constant activity revolving around family. With the arrival of her first grandchild in 1989, Dottie began the second phase of her love for children and provided daycare for many of her grandkids until they began kindergarten. Book reading, games and sleepovers were the favorite activities to coordinate for them.
In the early 2000's, Dottie relocated to Daniel Island, SC to be near her daughter, Linda, who became her caregiver & confidant. Spending time close to Linda's family kept her sharp, engaged and content.
Dottie was a lifelong Catholic and her strong faith was a constant source of strength, guiding her through every chapter of life. She found joy in simple things, especially the love of music, which she passed on to several of her children. She was a lifelong fan of Elvis Presley, whose songs were often played in her home. Her sons remember car trips around town with windows down and the radio up.
Dottie is survived by her loving children: John Jr. (Gena), Mark, Scott, Michael, and Linda Hipps (Mark); her cherished grandchildren: Hailee (Benjamin), Laycee (Cory), Nicholas, Michael Jr., Chase, Isaac, and Landis; and her adored great-grandchildren: Asher, Chloe, and Penelope. She is also survived by her sister, Linda Wainwright, along with extended family and many dear friends.
Dorothy will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, faith, and family that will live on in all who knew and loved her.
We invite family and friends to join us as we honor her life on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 1:00pm at Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic Church located at 990 Etiwan Park St., Charleston, SC, 29492. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service.
A Celebration of Life will follow at 3:00pm at Hobcaw Brewing Company, located at 496 Long Point Rd., Mount Pleasant, 29464 where memories and stories can be shared.
In keeping with her joyful spirit, and because purple was her favorite color, the family welcomes guests to wear purple or lavender in her honor, if they wish.
We are grateful for your prayers, love, and support as we gather to remember her beautiful life.
(photo by Leila Mcalhany)
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Published by Charleston Post & Courier on Sep. 29, 2025.