Dorothy Mae Young

On September 12, 2011, heaven was graced with the presence of a woman who lived her life with a servant's heart.  Dorothy M. Young fought a short but fierce battle with the demon cancer, and when her body gave up the fight, her soul soared to her eternal home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."  2 Corinthians 5:8

Born on August 4, 1931, to Henry and Nora Oehlsen, she was raised in State Center Iowa, with 2 sisters and a brother. She went on to modeling school and accounting college.  She was preceded in death by her first husband of 40 years, Joseph D. Ferguson, Jr., two sisters, Margaret Barrett and Elenor Schactlie, both of Iowa, and her first great-grandson, Kaden Michael, who got his fight for life from his great-nana.  

Dottie , as she is fondly known, is survived by her husband Richard C. Young who she loved with a 1 Corinthians type of love; her daughter, Kim F. Payne and husband Keith of Rustburg, a prodigal son J.D. Ferguson III of Dallas, Texas, a stepdaughter Brenda Young of Pearisburg, a stepson, Richard Young Jr. of Virginia Beach, 6 grandchildren, John Michael Ferguson of Raleigh, NC, Joseph Gregory Sandvig and wife Jennifer of Lynchburg, J.D. Ferguson, IV of Lynchburg, Sam and Nicholas Young of Virginia Beach, and Ivy Young of Pearisburg, and 1 great-grandson, Jacob Thomas Ferguson of San Antonio, Texas.  She is also survived by her brother Henry Oehlsen Jr. and wife Addie, of Anderson South Carolina, and three special sister in-laws, Audrey Ferguson of Lynchburg, and Donna Torpey and Carol Coons of Rochester New York, and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy had a true love for all of God's creatures and dogs were especially close to her heart.  She is deeply missed by Abbott, her canine child, who was her constant companion, and who never left her side in her final days.

Dorothy was a devout Christian with an unshakeable faith in Jesus Christ.  She made no apologies for that.  She had a strong sense of justice and was not afraid to voice her opinions on what she truly believed was right.  She used God's Word as her guide and all she said and did was based on what her Lord and Savior would do.  Dorothy's priorities in life were God first and then family.  She loved others with a sincere, compassionate heart and always tried to focus on the good in each.  She never tried to be someone she wasn't, and was content with the simple things in life.  She did not need THINGS to make her happy as her JOY came from knowing the Lord.   Her love truly mirrored the heart of God and countless others have been encouraged and blessed by the many kindnesses that she showered on them, not wanting recognition for anything she did.  What she did she did because God placed the need in front of her and she took action,  she made the choice not to ignore the opportunities that God gave her and this is where her greatest blessings came from.

Dorothy was also blessed with some special people in her life who gave back to her the love and care that she freely gave to others. The family would like to thank, Debbie Smallwood, and Nancy Hunt, friends who quickly became caregivers for both Mom and Richard. A special niece, Sue Lawson was more like a surrogate daughter to her than a niece. Pat Futty, was more than just a CNA , she was a friend who quickly became Mom's most passionate caregiver.  Pat held Dorothy's hands as she walked from this life into the gates of glory.

Words cannot begin to express the gratitude that the family wishes to express to the Hospice team, especially Crystal, Mom's nurse who went above and beyond always in addition to Dr. MacNeil who was so caring and encouraging while being totally honest.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the Ronald McDonald House, 2224 South Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA 24014, or Centra Hospice, 2097 Langhorne, Lynchburg, VA 24501.  

The family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011 at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.  A celebration of Dorothy's life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011in the chapel of Heritage Baptist Church with Dr. F. Gerald Kroll and Pastor Robert E. Lee officiating.  Interment will follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park.

 

Dorothy loved life and would not any to mourn her passing, so dressing in bright happy colors, as she called them, is encouraged!

 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.