Dorothy Bess Wages Waddell

Dorothy Bess Wages Waddell

Mar 2, 1921 - Feb 9th, 2023
  • Birth Date: Mar 2, 1921
  • Death Date: Feb 9, 2023
  • Funeral Date: Mar 2, 2023, 10:30 am
  • Location: Presbyterian Village Chapel
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Biography: Dorothy Bess Wages Waddell passed away on February 9, 2023, at the age of 101. She was just 3 weeks shy of her 102nd birthday.
 
Dorothy was born on March 2, 1921, in Lawrenceville, GA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie Wynn Wages and Alvin James Wages and her brother, James Wages who served in WWII and passed away shortly after the war while test piloting planes for the Air Force.
 
During the 1920s, Dorothy’s family moved to El Dorado, AR, where she graduated from high school. She attended the UCA during the 1940s, which was then called the State Teachers College. She was a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. There she met many friends who she continued to see until no one could drive anymore.
 
Dorothy graduated with a home economics degree and began teaching in small towns across Arkansas. She had two children, Judy Waddell Fletcher East, and Wynne Waddell. They moved to Camden, where she taught home economics at Harmony Grove High School. Later, she received an elementary education degree, and taught in the Camden Public Schools. She had many special friends, and students throughout the years.
 
Dorothy loved her children, but she simply adored her only grandson, Ben Waddell. She spent many summers and Christmas vacations taking him to museums, zoos, and swimming pools. She also spoiled him with special pies and southern dishes!
 
Dorothy was a founding member of St. Mark’s Methodist Church in Camden. She volunteered in every position where the church had needs. She had many close friends in the church who were very dear to her heart.
 
In 2005, Dorothy moved to Presbyterian Village in Little Rock to be near her daughter, Judy. She loved living there, enjoying the many activities, lectures, celebrations, and meals.
 
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Judy Fletcher East (Jim), Wynne Waddell, and Ben Waddell (Amanda) and their three children, Camila, Santiago, and Alex.
 
A hearty thank you goes out to the staff at Presbyterian Village, and the dedicated nurses and aides who cared for her.
 
In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Presbyterian Village, 510 Brookside, Little Rock, AR 72205. There will be a small gathering to celebrate Dorothy’s life on her birthday, March 2nd, 2023 at Presbyterian Village’s chapel at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com

Condolences(15)
Rob Harper
#15
May 6th, 2023 10:01 am
To The Family, my prayers and peace be with you. Your mom was my 3rd grade teacher. I dedicated my first book "That Job Just Isn't Into You" to her. My she fly with the angels.

Rob Harper
Karl and Janie Schanzlin
#14
Mar 7th, 2023 8:08 am
So Sorry to hear about Mrs Waddell. She so wanted to see how my children behaved.
Pam Roberts
#13
Feb 19th, 2023 12:57 pm
Such a wonderful lady and special friend. I’m thankful for so many memories shared with her. Love to Wynne, Judy, and Ben.
Barbara Edwards
#12
Feb 12th, 2023 8:08 am
Thinking of you all ! Have you in our thoughts and prayers! Wynne we have tried to call you in the past ! We are in Hot Springs now . 501-520-4855 would love to visit ! Chris Bailey sends his sympathy !
Barbara & Charles
David Reynolds
#11
Feb 12th, 2023 5:31 am
My deepest sympathy
Larry Crabtree
#10
Feb 11th, 2023 10:43 pm
Our sincere condolences $
Ginny Hogg Russell
#9
Feb 11th, 2023 9:58 pm
Many thoughts and prayers for all. May God be with y’all during this difficult time.
Ronnie T Calaway Martha Sue Calaway
#8
Feb 11th, 2023 9:57 pm
Dorthy taught Ron in Jr High and I taught elementary grades with her at Cleveland Avenue School. She was a wonderful mentor to me as she taught 3rd and I taught 5th for several years55
James Hugh Hogg Jr
#7
Feb 11th, 2023 9:31 pm
Judy and family, I am so saddened to learn of your sweet mothers death. May she rise in glory and rest in peace with all the angels and saints!
Vicki Tuberville Fewell
#6
Feb 11th, 2023 3:10 pm
I have many fond memories of Mrs. Waddell. She was an important influence in helping me in my career choice, Home Economics. Class of 66
Joyce Howell
#5
Feb 11th, 2023 12:18 pm
Condolences to Ms. Waddell’s precious family. She was such an exceptional lady who touched so many lives and made them better. Thank you, Dorothy Bess.
Susan Bryant
#4
Feb 11th, 2023 12:06 pm
I am so sorry to learn of Ms Dorothy’s passing. She was a dear friend of my mother in law, Frances Bryant, and a very special lady. Sending prayers for God’s peace and comfort to all her family. With deepest sympathy! Susan
Benton Rollins
#3
Feb 11th, 2023 11:58 am
Although I had not seen Dorothy Bess (we always referred to her using both names) in many years, I have fond memories of her and her children growing up in Camden,Ar. My sincere condolences to her family.










































9
Nan Ellen East
#2
Feb 10th, 2023 8:19 pm
Judy, to you and your family we send our condolences for the loss of your mom. What a wonderful long life she had, and you followed in her footsteps being a teacher too. She will be missed by your family, friends and the kind caregivers at Presbyterian Village.
Our heartfelt sympathy,
Nan Ellen and Jack M East
Nan Ellen East
#1
Feb 10th, 2023 8:19 pm
Judy, to you and your family we send our condolences for the loss of your mom. What a wonderful long life she had, and you followed in her footsteps being a teacher too. She will be missed by your family, friends and the kind caregivers at Presbyterian Village.
Our heartfelt sympathy,
Nan Ellen and Jack M East

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