Dorothy Anne Whitt McKissick, 86, of Raleigh, formerly of Jacksonville, died Thursday, December 12, 2013 peacefully at home, surrounded by her family and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 1 pm until 1:45 pm at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville. A graveside service will follow at 2:00pm at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Dot was born on June 19, 1927 to the late Robert Sidney and Nora Ophelia Gentry Whitt in Roxboro, NC and grew up in Thomasville. Over the course of her life, she lived in CA, Hawaii and China. Dorothy was an avid reader, who would arm wrestle a Marine Corps Colonel for the newest books to arrive at the base library. She loved her coffee, newspaper and the daily crossword puzzle. Music and Turner Classic movies were a staple of the home. Dorothy also enjoyed the sunshine, keeping her home immaculately clean and her car. Family and friends will miss their Dorothy, Dot, Mom, Nana, Grandma, Grandma Dot, Mama Dot, and Lady Dot.

Mrs. McKissick is preceded in death by her husband, MSGT (RET) Charles Ray McKissick and a daughter Rena Chambers.

Dorothy is survived by her children Katherine McKissick, Charlene Wilder (Scott), Cynthia Arney (Tom), Julie Galkin (Danny), Ronald Gaylord (Claudia), Jeanie Gaylord, and Rena's husband, Harvey. She had 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to say a special Thank You to everyone at Home Instead Senior Care (Maribel no one can make a bed like you) and Heartland Hospice Services. The services you provided allowed Mom to stay at home as she wished. You made a huge difference in the last few months of her life. Teresa Migale thank you for all the time spent running errands and visiting. To mom's neighbors, who took turns putting the newspaper next to the front door every morning and to Katherine, from Harris Teeter, who always ensured there were fresh flowers - Thank you.