Dorothy Witham Obituary

Dorothy Evelyn Sims Witham CHARLESTON - Dorothy Evelyn Sims Witham, widow of George William "Buddy" Witham passed away on the evening of December 20, 2012. Born, June 4, 1917, in Charleston, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Henry Sawyer Sims and Eva Mae Baxter Sims. Evelyn spent some of her childhood, after her mother's death, living on a farm with her aunt and uncle in Monetta, SC. She would often reminisce about the fun times she and her three cousins had on the farm. Evelyn graduated from Memminger High School in 1936, attended the College of Charleston, and the Saint Francis Xavier School of Nursing where she made several lifelong friends and graduated in 1940 as a Registered Nurse. Evelyn lived every moment of her life to the fullest. She had a deep faith in God, an unconditional love for family and an undying passion for nursing and caring for others. She loved Charleston and making total strangers feel comfortable. Her home was always welcoming, and in the old southern tradition, she would always serve something to eat to her guests. Her nursing career spanned over 50 years. During that time she helped deliver the largest baby on record, assisted in opening the 5th, 7th, and 8th floors at MUSC in the 1950's. She later enjoyed Private Duty nursing and caring for many friends. She promoted her profession serving as President of the Charleston Private Duty Nurses Association and Chairman of the Private-Duty Section of the South Carolina State Board of Nurses. Evelyn was a long time member of First (Scots) Presbyterian Church and member of the Sophie Cochran Bible Class. She was active in her community and served as a sustaining member of the Garden Club of Charleston, member of the Ladies' Benevolent Society, the Rebecca Motte Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution, the Avinger Chapter of the United Daughters of Confederacy, the King's Daughters Circle, the St. Francis Nurses' Alumnae Association, the Charleston Women's Club, honorary member of the Daughters of the Nile, President of the Parent Teacher's Association, and President of the West Ashley Business & Professional Women's Club. After she and her husband, Buddy, retired, they enjoyed traveling, spending time with grandchildren, vacationing at Hilton Head Island and being with life-long friends. After Buddy died, Evelyn volunteered many hours at MUSC and Roper-St. Francis Hospital. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, enjoying being with her four great-grandchildren, and having good times with her neighbors at the Ashley House. She is survived by her daughter, Dorothy Witham "Dottie" George (G. Robert "Bob" George); three granddaughters, Evelyn George Marino (Dr. John R. Marino), Mary Witham George, Dorothy George Thaxton (Mikell C. Thaxton); four great-grand-children, Jack Marino, Ellyn Marino, Molly Marino, and Witham Thaxton. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marie Spell Sims, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in death by her son, George Sims Witham, a brother, Henry Albert Sims, a sister, Helen Sims Spear, and her stepmother, Lilly Skipper Sims. The family wishes to thank her caregivers and Roper- St. Francis Hospice. The relatives and friends are invited to attend Evelyn's funeral service in First (Scots) Presbyterian Church Saturday December 22, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Family will greet friends in Lilly Chapel following the service. Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL. Memorials may be made to First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, 51 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, 29401. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston