DOROTHY HISERMAN LONG
Feb. 16, 1926-Oct. 23, 2013
KINSTON -- If anyone deserved to cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees for now and eternally forever, it is you. The first 21 years were yours, and your final 66 were devoted to those you guided and loved so much, so unconditionally. For that, we who remain to carry on, are forever grateful and blessed.
Dorothy Ann Hiserman was born Feb. 16, 1926, in Waynesboro, Va., the youngest of four children from the union of Franklin Raymond Sr. and Mabel Araminta (Coiner) Hiserman.
Hers was an idyllic upbringing in the Shenandoah Valley, a simpler time with religious and family values, though not without its tribulations and perseverance through the years of the Great Depression and World War II.
Dotty graduated from Waynesboro High School in 1944. Shortly after, she began an almost 10-year career with DuPont Co.
In the autumn of 1946, she met her future husband, Cecil E. "Shorty" Long, on a blind date. They were married Oct. 24, 1947, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Waynesboro, Va.
1952 brought relocation to eastern North Carolina as she and "Shorty" transferred to the new DuPont Dacron facility in Kinston. "Retiring" in 1954, she bore four children from 1954 to 1963, thus beginning her second career honing her motherly and grandmotherly skills.
She was a talented cook, seamstress, mediator and the "rock" around which everyone and everything revolved. Extremely fun loving, she enjoyed playing board games, cards, the daily jumble, backyard croquet, summer picnics, trips to Fort Macon State Park, church homecomings and visits to family back home in Virginia.
Though her life by today's standards was indeed simple, her unassuming essence was profound. Dotty exemplified peace and serenity, compassion for all and a humble security and silent proudness for the accomplishments of her husband, children, grandchildren and those most close to her.
Her colloquialisms were legendary. Mama, you could have been whatever you wanted to be. To all of us, thankfully, you were everything and just ... you.
She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Cecil E. Long in 2011, and her siblings, Catherine, Frank Jr. and Kenneth.
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Vicki S. Rosenow (Phil) and Stacy A. Frankfort (Ed), and her sons and daughter-in-law, Thomas B. and William B. (Kathy).
Also surviving are her precious grandchildren, Cameron and Conner Rosenow and Alex and Nicolas Frankfort, and a very special niece, Gale Hiserman Burns.
Special thanks to all who called her "friend," her devoted medical team and all staff comprised of Drs. Whitlark, Qadir, Gallaher, Crisp, Haynes and Sherry Smith, NP.
Many thanks to the 4th-floor nursing staffs at LMH and 3HC for their compassionate care, to her companions, Gale Washington, Bobbie Murrell, Gwen Wilkes, and for all his hard work and attention, Sonny Sparrow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville, N.C., 27834.
Garner Funeral Home in Kinston is handling all arrangements.
A family service will be held at a later date at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crimora, Va.
Online condolences may be sent to www.garner-funeralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on October 25, 2013 1:50 PM