Dorothy Ann Doss

She was born Aug. 10, 1934, in Fremont, Nebraska, the daughter of Virgil and Vera Carlson. The family moved to Leon, Iowa, in 1941. That’s where she met her future husband, Jerry Doss, in third grade. They became high school sweethearts and both pursued careers in the medical field. They married in August 1955, just days after Dorothy graduated as valedictorian from Iowa Lutheran Hospital Nursing School.

The couple moved around as Jerry finished his training as an obstetrician/gynecologist and did a stint in the Air Force. In 1965 they came to Kokomo, Ind., where they spent most of their adult lives and raised their two children. Dorothy gave up nursing when her first child was born. Their home on Susan Drive was a place of joy for their own children and the neighborhood kids — and later for their four grandchildren.

Dorothy was an avid reader and gardener. When their children left home, she and Jerry traveled and learned gourmet cooking. Dorothy also helped Jerry run his medical practice.

After serving as long-distance caregivers to their parents, Dorothy and Jerry moved to Southminster in 2006 and began making new friends and a new life. They were delighted by how quickly they were embraced in their new community, and enjoyed getting to know Charlotte. Sadly, both spent their final years struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. Dorothy cared for Jerry with love and strength until his death in 2014. She was in assisted living when the pandemic lockdown hit, and had to face the death of her only son during that time in 2020. Fortunately, she was able to emerge and experience the embrace of her family again.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Jerri Ann Doss Helms (Kerry) of Belmont, N.C.; daughter-in-law, Lisa Doss of Carmel, Ind.; grandchildren Daniel Helms of Oates, S.C., Dr. Tori Doss (Ryan Walker) of Indianapolis, John Doss of Indianapolis and David Doss of White Bear Lake, Minn.; brother John Carlson (Marilyn) of Atlantic Beach, Fla.; and sister Marilyn Lentz of Indianola, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Jerome F. Doss, and son, Paul Doss.

A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at Southminster, 8919 Park Road, at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2023.

Dorothy’s family is grateful for the love and support of staff and friends at Southminster. Memorials can be made to Southminster’s employee assistance fund: 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 or www.southminster.org/donate-now (gifts made in honor of Dorothy Doss will be directed to the employee fund).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Doss family.