Dorothy Ketter

We regret to inform you of the passing of Ms. Dorothy Ketter.

Ms. Ketter passed on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville, SC.

Arrangements will be announced by Davis Funeral Home, LLC of Hartsville, SC.

Ms. Dorothy Ketter was born to John and Mamie Ketter on August 16, 1928. She was one of 14 children. There were ten girls and four boys.

Dorothy accepted Christ at an early age. Throughout her life, you could hear her humming and singing to Gospel songs.

Dorothy was educated in the public schools of Hartsville. After leaving school, Dorothy moved to Philadelphia, PA, where she resided with two of her sisters, Mamie Sears, and Betty Ketter. She eventually moved in with Betty.Years later she returned home, to care for her aging mother.

Dorothy met Robert Holmes in Philadelphia, and they became parents to Bobbie (Barbara Ann) Holmes. Bobbie, often called Barbara, was the light of Dorothy’s life. Barbara too loved her mother immensely.

Dorothy, affectionately called Dot, was the ultimate nurturer of children. Dot helped her sister Betty care for her children when she lived in Philadelphia. Her daughter Barbara entrusted the care of her two young ones, Asekia Cheng and Erin Jones to her mother. Dot raised them as Barbara was employed in Philadelphia providing for their economic needs. Their emotional needs were met by both parents.

Dot formed a special bond with one of the children, Michelle, with whom she taught to cook. When Dot returned to Hartsville, she became a custodial parent to Terry Hawkins (Pooh), who she raised from infancy through adulthood.

Dot loved children so much that whenever you would visit her, she would inquire about the wellbeing of your children. She also had a love for animals. She cared for cats both inside and outside of her home. She also helped to take care of her mother’s dog, Tiny.

Dot had the opportunity to travel to the Bahamas, where she fell in love with the Island Life. She also enjoyed watching reality shows like Cheaters, Dr. Pimple Popper, and My 600 Lb. Life. 

Dot’s daughter and grandchildren reflected on her as being their joy, their backbone, their momma, their love. Dot was a sweet, soft- spoken woman, rarely angry. She was also funny, even hilarious.

Her fantastic cooking skills must also be addressed. She welcomed all into her home for meals that were unforgettable. When relatives out of town visited and were preparing to return home, you could rest assured that Dot was going to send you off with a meal. The relatives delved into her delicious ham sandwiches long before they were out of the State. Dot enjoyed eating too, with fish being her favorite food. 

Dot’s presence will surely be missed. She made you feel special and generated warmth within you that you felt as you left her home.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Barbara Ann; grandchildren, Asekia Cheng, Erin Jones and Terry Hawkins (Pooh); great-grandchildren: Courtney James, Chris Radford, Tenoria Jones, Angel Frazier, Noah Jones, Terin Pate, Ilei Moses and Hunter Rhodes; three sisters: Betty (Willie) Ketter and Charlene (Raynard) Fitzsimmons of Philadelphia, PA and Barbara (Ernest) Conner of New York; and a host of family and friends.