Dorthy Jean Southern, age 92, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2023, in Mena. She was born January 22, 1931, in Hatfield, Arkansas, to John Kimsey Floyd and Florence Eliza (Lacey) Floyd. She was united in marriage to Victor Raymond Southern on April 3, 1952.
Dorthy loved to bowl and received many awards for her talents. She enjoyed attending state and national bowling tournaments with her special bowling friends. She worked as a vet tech for many years for Dr. Ann Hatley and Dr. Gordon McDonald. In 2004 she was honored to be chosen as the “Vet Tech of the Year” for the state of Arkansas.
Dorthy was a cattle rancher most of her adult life. In addition, she was an excellent seamstress. She made most of the school clothes for her two girls all through their childhood. She also made both of their wedding dresses and bridesmaids’ dresses. Her skills were even carried forward when she made dresses for her granddaughters.
Dorthy was a wonderful cook and baker. She made cakes or pies for all her family on their birthdays. She even made wedding cakes for her grandchildren.
She loved her cats and hated to leave her special cat and companion “Prissy.”
Dorthy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 32 years, son-in-law Kent Shrader, four brothers: Kimsey Floyd (Gladys), Marcus Floyd (Ethlyn), Howard Floyd (Josie), and Argus Floyd.
Survivors include daughters, Becky Horton (Randy), Dixie Shrader, Grandchildren Rachael Horton Hopper (Liden), Randall Horton (Sarah), Katrina Shrader Evans (David), Kendra Shrader Myers (Justin), Great Grandchildren Ruby and Remington Hopper; Bella, Layla, Dustin, Tessa and Emma Horton; Chisum and Addis Myers.
Services for Mrs. Dorthy Jean Southern will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, at Beasley-Wood Chapel in Mena, Arkansas, at 10:00 a.m. Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating. Interment will follow at the Mollie Gann Cemetery in New Potter, Arkansas. There will be a scheduled visitation Thursday, June 29, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The pallbearers are Dr. Gordon McDonald, Tommy Floyd, Ricky Yahn, Jimmy Jones, Bill Wetherington, and Phillip Hatley.
Honorary Pallbearers are Dicky, Kenny, Jimmy Don, Ronny, Donnie, Dean, and Larry Paul Floyd, Raymond Yahn, and Dr. Richard Calleton.
Online obituary and guest book available at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com
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