Dorothy Rose Watson Noble

Dorothy (“Dot”) was born October 19, 1932, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Watauga County, North Carolina, to the late Gurney Abram and Nancy Ray Watson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles, and her siblings, Marcella, Norman, Eulala, Nelson, and Shelby.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Nancy Noble Burton (Tampa), Rose Marie McHugh (Tallahassee), and Fred Noble (Cathrin/Tallahassee). Other survivors include her most beloved grandchildren, Matt (Megan), Meg (Bobby), Charlie (Maggy), and Elisabeth (Taime), as well as the newest arrival, great grand “Nellie,” and nieces, nephews, and her dear sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Lenoir, North Carolina).

Dot was baptized at Cedar Rock Baptist Church in North Carolina. She attended Laurel Springs Baptist Church, also in North Carolina, in her early years.

One of her great adventures as a young woman was traveling to Denver, Colorado, to stay with her cousin where she worked as a telephone operator. She returned to North Carolina where she graduated from Grace Hospital School of Nursing (Morganton), which was affiliated with Duke University, and after graduation she was licensed as a registered nurse. While in training at Grace Hospital she met Charles, who would become her husband, father to her children, and life adventure partner. Dot spent her lifetime being of service in the medical field both as a registered nurse (RN) and certified nursing assistant instructor. As a young RN, she was the company nurse for the outdoor production known as “The Lost Colony.”

She spent her life concerned about the needs of others, be it the needs of her own children, single mothers, or people who were hungry, cold, or just needed some help. She did these things quietly, in private, not drawing attention to her good deeds.

Dot cherished her grandchildren and helped them along life’s journey. She was most proud of getting her three children through college.

Living in Port St. Joe, Florida, for many years before moving to Tallahassee, Florida, she met many people who she loved and cared about from North Carolina to Virginia to Florida. Her husband, Charles, was the first wildlife manager at St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Dot helped him as needed until employees could be hired.

Dot lived a good and long life and will be missed.

The family would like to thank the teams at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Encompass, Enhabit, and Big Bend Hospice for their compassionate care of our mom during the last several months of her life.

A special thank you to mom’s long-time neighbors and friends, and Yili, who she thought of as her own grandson.

Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to Big Bend Hospice Foundation (1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308), or Second Harvest of the Big Bend (4446 Entrepot Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32310).

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