Obituary of Dorothy May Moorefield Laughlin

Dorothy May Moorefield Laughlin, 95, of Bedford, passed away Saturday night, April 29, 2023 at her home.  She was born on December 3, 1927, the daughter of the late Walter Green Moorefield and Addie Owen Moorefield.  Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Laughlin; her infant daughter, Barbara Jean Laughlin; her son-in-law, James Kenneth “Teny” Key; her brother, James Carr Owen & his wife, Olene; her sisters, Annie Goodman, Janie Fisher and Francis Chandler.

Dorothy was a hard worker throughout her life.  At the age of sixteen she began work at the Craddock Terry Shoe Factory in downtown Lynchburg.  She loved sharing the many stories of boarding downtown and working with friends during that time.  After marrying Paul, she spent her time as a homemaker and stay at home mother, nurturing and caring for her family.  When her granddaughter was born, she spent her days as her babysitter while her daughter and son-in-law worked.  This was a job that brought joy to both her and her granddaughter.  Later in life, Dorothy longed to get out of the house and spend more time with people.  She worked in the dining room at the Bedford location of Long John Silvers for a few years and when the location closed she spent many years working in the dining room of the Wendy’s in Bedford.  She loved serving people and brightening their day.  She made numerous new friends at Wendy’s and her coworkers always spoke fondly of the lovely “Mrs. Dot”.

Over the years she enjoyed many visits with friends and family and would often reminisce about times with her loved ones that she especially enjoyed.  She was an avid animal lover, having many pet cats throughout her life and would take care of her family’s animals whenever she was needed.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Sylvia June Laughlin Key, of Bedford; Teresa May Laughlin and husband, B.J., of Appomattox; her granddaughter, Jennifer Key Overstreet and husband, Hunter, of Lynchburg; numerous nieces and nephews; her beloved four-legged friend, Frisky and her great-grand-dog, Sophie.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Pisgah Presbyterian Church, where she had been a member of many years with Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating.  Interment will follow in Pisgah Presbyterian Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.