DOROTHY BESS WAGES WADDELL

passed away on February 9, 2023, at the age of 101. She was just three weeks shy of her 102nd birthday.

Dorothy was born on March 2, 1921, in Lawrenceville, Ga. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie Wynn Wages and Alvin James Wages; and her brother, James Wages, who served in WWII and passed away shortly after the War while test-piloting planes for the Air Force.

During the 1920s, Dorothy’s family moved to El Dorado, Ark., where she graduated from high school. She attended UCA during the 1940s, which was then called the State Teachers College. She was a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. There she met many friends who she continued to see until no one could drive anymore.

Dorothy graduated with a home economics degree and began teaching in small towns across Arkansas. She had two children, Judy Waddell Fletcher East, and Wynne Waddell. They moved to Camden, where she taught home economics at Harmony Grove High School. Later, she received an elementary education degree, and taught in the Camden Public Schools. She had many special friends, and students throughout the years.

Dorothy loved her children, but she simply adored her only grandson, Ben Waddell. She spent many summers and Christmas vacations taking him to museums, zoos, and swimming pools. She also spoiled him with special pies and Southern dishes!

Dorothy was a founding member of St. Mark’s Methodist Church in Camden. She volunteered in every position where the church had needs. She had many close friends in the church who were very dear to her heart.

In 2005, Dorothy moved to Presbyterian Village in Little Rock to be near her daughter, Judy. She loved living there, enjoying the many activities, lectures, celebrations, and meals.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Judy Fletcher East (Jim), Wynne Waddell, and Ben Waddell (Amanda) and their three children, Camila, Santiago, and Alex.

A hearty thank you goes out to the staff at Presbyterian Village, and the dedicated nurses and aides who cared for her.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Presbyterian Village, 510 Brookside, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. There will be a small gathering to celebrate Dorothy’s life on her birthday, March 2nd, 2023, at Presbyterian Village’s chapel at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com