Dorothy "Dot" Washam Bartlett

Dot Bartlett (96) of Mint Hill, passed away September 15th, 2022 in the comfort of her home and in the presence of those who loved her. Her health had been declining since the death of her husband, Aubrey, in July.

Born August 1, 1926 in Cornelius, NC to Mack and Lena Thompson Washam. She was the youngest of nine children. She completed high school in Cornelius NC. Then attended business school in Charlotte. She worked at Hudson Hosiery and Chadbourn Hosiery Mills in Charlotte.

Aubrey fell in love with Dot the first time they met. Aubrey was still in the Army in 1945 when they married on his three day pass. She made her home with his parents until his discharge. They enjoyed a seventy-seven year love story and lived most of their married lives in Mint Hill, raising four sons; Baron, Roger, Thomas and Mark.

Dot taught in the Philadelphia Presbyterian Church preschool for almost forty years, rising to become director. Everywhere she went, former students and their parents approached her to reminisce about the time spent in her class. Seeing these former students was a great highlight in her life. Dot loved all the little children, just as Jesus did.

In 1965 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, that diagnosis was usually a death sentence. She underwent a radical mastectomy. She not only survived, she went on to become a American Cancer Society volunteer with the “Reach to Recovery” program as a counselor, working with health care professionals, and visiting with other women who had faced the same diagnosis and surgery.

In 2018 she was presented the Legacy Award for Presbyterian Women as the recipient chosen by Philadelphia Presbyterian Church. The award was given in recognition of her extensive years of service. At that time she was presented a “Legacy Quilt” created by the women of the church. This award and quilt was a point of pride for her.

Dot always raised a big garden, freezing and canning her bounty for her family. She loved to square dance and ballroom dance. They danced for many years enjoying the activity and companionship of the other members. She loved to fish with her husband, often joined by children and grandchildren. She enjoyed horseback riding and loved her horses and dogs.

She lovingly cared, without ceasing, for Aubrey as he declined in health, attending to him in every way she could.

Dot and Aubrey were able to remain in their home until Aubrey passed in July. Special caregivers; Ashley Waters, Judy Gaston, Kim Reynolds, Pati Hanno, Rachel Principato and Tricia Waters continued to care for her after Aubrey’s passing. This compassionate care insured Dot was lovingly attended the remaining days of her life. The family is profoundly grateful for this care and the assistance of Hospice in the last weeks of life.

She was preceded in death by her her parents, husband, son Mark, four brothers; Grey, Harry, Woodrow, and Cecil; sisters, Vera, Hazeline Overcash, Annie Dingler and Rachel Irvin.

Dot is survived by sons, Baron(Kim),of Ponte Vedra FL, Roger(Sue) of Sylva, NC, Tom(Jan) of Waxhaw NC, and widowed daughter-in-law, Kathy Jo Bartlett. She leaves a legacy of seven grandchildren; Chris, Taylor, Meredith, Sam, Matt, Clint, Leah Carpenito, ten great-grand-children and beloved friend, Martha Bartlett.

The family will receive friends Sunday, September 25th, 2022 from 1:00 - 2:00pm at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church 11501 Bain School Road Mint Hill, NC 28227 followed by a service at 2:00pm. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery on Bain School Road.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the great love of Dot’s life;

Philadelphia Presbyterian Church,

Dot Bartlett Kindergarten Fund

11501 Bain School Rd. Mint Hill, NC 28227.

Friends & Family may leave online condolences and messages of comfort at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.