Dorothy Ann Loudermilk

Dorothy Ann Loudermilk
July 2, 1938 - May 1, 2015

Dorothy "Dottie" Ann Loudermilk passed away peacefully on May 1, 2015 at 8:45 p.m. with family by her side. She was 76 years old. Dottie was born on July 2, 1938 in Baltimore, Maryland, and was the beloved wife of John Loudermilk of Longwood, Florida.

Dottie was the oldest of three children born to the late Bane and Gladys Edwards. She was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where she attended Kenmore High School and Baltimore Business College. Upon graduation, Dottie worked at an engineering firm in Baltimore, Maryland, where she met John in 1959. They married on September 15, 1962. Together they raised four daughters and were blessed with nine grandchildren.

Dottie's family was the center of her heart which showed in the loving way she cared for each of them. She devoted hours to volunteering at their schools and participated in their many extra-curricular activities. She was a Brownie leader, a PTA President at the Woodlands Elementary School, a Sunday school teacher, and the biggest cheerleader for her entire family. She made each day special with the simplest gestures of kindness. Special breakfasts with character shaped pancakes, holidays with decorations throughout their home, and thoughtful gifts were just a few things that she did to make each of them feel special. Her family was not the only recipient of her loving heart as she extended that same loving care to each person that she met. She welcomed new neighbors, made many meals for sick friends, was a confidant and a true and genuine friend to many.

Dottie retired from the Seminole County Public School System where she worked as a secretary at Woodlands Elementary School for 22 years (although she volunteered there for many years prior to being hired). When anyone had a question or needed anything at the school, everyone would say, "Just ask Dottie! She'll know!" She was voted as "Employee of the Year" by her co-workers and friends at the school. Her "Woodlands family" loved her dearly and helped her walk through this journey of life. Dottie felt so blessed to call them her friends and words will never adequately express our deepest appreciation and gratitude for all that they have been in her life.

Dottie will be forever missed by her family which includes: Her husband, John Loudermilk; her four daughters, Kimberly Freeman of Jacksonville, Florida, Michelle Moore and her husband Johnny of St. Augustine, Florida, Tammie Visalden and her husband Louie of Polk City, Iowa, and Stephanie Loudermilk Krick and her husband Bill of Orlando, Florida; her nine grandchildren, Lexi, Jordan and Ryan Freeman, Blake Moore, Evan, Gabe and Cole Visalden, and Val and Spencer Krick; her sister, Bobbie Thacker; brother, Donnie Edwards; sister-in-laws, Mary Jo Clem, Judy Edwards, and Gail Loudermilk; brother-in-laws, Bill Loudermilk and Hal Clem.

While Dottie had a myriad of illnesses following her stroke, she showed great determination to continue her zest for life. Although the last several years were difficult days due to her illnesses, she always felt the never ending dedication of her husband, John. He was her constant. He was the love of her life and her caretaker for so many years. Even when her level of care exceeded what could be provided at home, John continued to be by her side daily. She often said, "John, you have been so good to me." What a wonderful gift of love he gave her.

Life Care Center of Altamonte Springs was instrumental in providing her love and care and became her extended family. We will be forever grateful to them.

Dottie has left a footprint on the hearts of many friends, family, acquaintances and strangers. She touched the world with her gentle spirit, loving heart, and generous soul. We will miss her every single day, but we know that she is no longer bound in a body that didn't allow her to do what she wanted to do. She is now dancing in Heaven with angels.