Godspeed, Dorothy
Agraveside service at Washington Masonic Cemetery was held this past week for Dorothy Burke Hawkins, who passed away Oct. 5 at the age of 94. Pullens present, as were the Keysers, Hitts, Bruces, Giles, and many more, Rappahannock’s royalty with 300-year histories shared.
Daniel Keyser, his daughter Debbie and I snaked up the cemetery’s meandering pathways, speaking reverently of those resting in peace, including Debbie’s mom, and grandparents. Tombstones for the Smoots, Jenkins, Sisks, Finchams, Swindlers, Pullens, Leakes, Baldwins, Clatterbucks, Whortons, Massies and Racers.
Pat and Skippy Giles and family, surrounded by well-wishers, heartfelt condolences expressed. You could feel the intimacy of these families present on the grassy slope, their warmth and gentle camaraderie, their shared histories so evident.
Reverend Jennings (Jenks) Hobson presided with his signature warm uplifting sermon. He spoke fondly of Dorothy, noting he’d known her for 46 years, more than half her lifetime. The sermon was brief but poignant, the faithful flock gathered tightly around her gravesite reciting the Lord’s Prayer with rich, clear voices:
“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” and finally “ashes to ashes, dust to dust.”
The Washington Baptist Church hosted a post-service reception catered by Country Cafe, tables filled with friends, acquaintances, and family celebrating Dorothy’s life.
Dorothy was known to many for her years with the U.S. Postal Service in Washington and as a member of the first all-women town council. America took notice of the town’s unique government makeup, one ensuing national headline labeled the Rappahannock phenom, “Petticoat Rule.”
In fact, Dr. John Snead erected a sign at Washington’s corporate limits: “Caution: You are now entering She-Town.” It is said that a few men in the nearby hamlets and hollows forbade their wives to set foot in the town, fearing they might get “uppity” ideas.
Once when Daniel Keyser and I passed Dorothy’s home, he smiled and said that she was someone I’d enjoy meeting. And so I did. The words flowed, and a story came to life published in this Rappahannock News.
Whenever possible I’d stop by her pretty home and we’d have lunch in her quaint country kitchen; she’d have the table all set in anticipation with a bottle of wine at the ready. Debbie Keyser and I would also stop by, we providing the food, she providing the colorful stories. She was so beautiful, charming and kind. My only regret is not stopping by more often.