DOROTHY C WILLOUGHBY

Dorothy C. Willoughby was born on January 7, 1945, in Fort Payne, Alabama, to Charles Lamar Cash and Alice Cash. It was there that she met the love of her life, Don Willoughby. Together, they left Fort Payne and eventually made their home in the Birmingham community of Midfield. They grew to love Midfield deeply, and it was there that they raised their three daughters, Tammie, Vickie, and Wendy. Dorothy embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, devoting herself to raising her family with unwavering love, strength, and dedication. After moving to Midfield, Dorothy made a career serving as the Custodian of Funds for the Midfield City School System. During her time there, she formed lasting friendships with many of her colleagues, relationships she treasured throughout the rest of her life. Upon retiring, she devoted herself to the things she loved most: spending time with her family, traveling, and enjoying the many hobbies that brought her joy. One of her greatest joys was cooking. She lovingly prepared meals that brought family and friends together, especially during the holidays, when her table was always filled with an abundance of delicious food. For those who knew her, the holidays were not just celebrations but cherished gatherings creating memories that will be treasured for generations. She also had a lifelong passion for travel. Alongside her beloved husband, Donald Willoughby, she explored nearly every corner of the United States, visiting most of the 50 states, as well as much of Europe and destinations around the world. Together, they embraced every opportunity to discover new places, experience different cultures, and create lasting memories. She often said that if she could have chosen another career, she would have been a travel agent, combining her love of planning with her passion for exploring the world. Throughout her life, she had a remarkable talent for decorating and design. Nowhere was this more evident than during the Christmas season, when she transformed her home into a beautiful holiday display. She found great joy in hosting family and friends, and anyone who had the pleasure of visiting her home at Christmastime experienced firsthand the love and care she poured into every detail. Anyone who knew Dorothy, or even knew of her, knew she was one of the hardest-working people they would ever meet. She believed deeply in self-reliance and took great pride in doing things herself, a principle she lived by throughout her life. Whether she was mowing her own lawn, rearranging heavy furniture, or caring for her home, she approached every task with an unmatched work ethic. Her dedication to hard work extended beyond herself. She believed that anything worth doing was worth doing well and expected those around her to give their best. Family workdays became legendary, often involving projects that required the kind of effort one might expect on a construction site. Though demanding at times, those shared experiences became lasting memories and reflected the values she lived her life by. Dorothy was a woman of kindness. She loved her family, cherished her friends, and, above all, loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she lived with the assurance of God's promises. Her family finds comfort in knowing she has entered her eternal home, where she was no-doubt welcomed with the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." It is in heaven where she was joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, Don Willoughby, and her daughter, Tammie Carney. Dot Willoughby is preceded in death by her parents Charles Lamar and Alice Cash, brother Dan Cash, husband Don Willoughby, and daughter Tammie Carney. She is survived by her daughters, Vickie Wood and Wendy Feltman (Jim Feltman); her son-in-law, Chris Carney; her grandchildren, Chase Wood (Paige Wood), Blake Feltman (Morgan Feltman), Kelsey Carney, Logan Durden (Justin Durden), Mary McMurry (Dillon McMurry), and David Cole Wood; her great-grandchildren, Cason Riley Smith, Grayson Feltman, Carter Feltman, Graham Feltman, Lake Riley Durden, Remi Blake McMurry, Landri Kate McMurry, Weston Carney, and Dottie Kyle Durden; and one great-granddaughter, Ella Cash Wood, who is expected soon. She also leaves behind many other beloved family members and friends. Services will be held at Peoples Chapel Funeral Home in Hueytown, AL on Friday, July 31st. Visitation will be from 10-11 with funeral starting at 11. Burial will follow at Oak Grove First Baptist.

DOROTHY C WILLOUGHBY

January 7, 1945 - July 24, 2026