Dorothy “Dot” Odom Sanford, 93, lost her battle with Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, July 25, 2016.
She was born in Goldsboro, N.C. to the late Beatrice Hinnant Odom and Matthew Perry Odom. She was employed by C&P Telephone Co./AT&T for two years before proudly joining the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. While in the Marines she met and married her husband, Harold R. Sanford.
During the ensuing years Dot was a loving wife, devoted mother, active member of her church and enthusiastic leader in the Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. In 1966 she returned to the workforce as a dedicated employee of Tidewater Supply Co. in Norfolk, Va., until her retirement.
Dot lived a gracious and compassionate life, bringing love and joy to her family and those around her. Her kindness, generosity and good nature continued to attract others to her even as Alzheimer’s took so much from her. The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to all the staff of Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital for the loving care and support they provided Dot and her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; three brothers, William, Edward and Ray Odom; and her eldest son, William E. Sanford.
Left to cherish her memory are two sons, Harold C. Sanford (Kathy) and Richard Sanford; a daughter, Janet Culbertson; four grandchildren, Jeff Sanford, Kristy Sanford Goodwin (Greg), Gregory Culbertson (Cheryl) and Nathan Sanford; and four great-grandchildren, Keilynne, Kolby and Kaleb Sanford, and Zack Goodwin.
A memorial service and visitation to celebrate Dot’s life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., 1501 Colonial Ave., Norfolk, Va. Private burial will be at Rosewood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter, 6350 Center Drive, Suite 102, Norfolk, VA 23502, (https://www.alz.org/seva/), or to Lake Taylor Hospital Children’s Foundation, 1309 Kempsville Road, Norfolk, VA 23502.
Online condolences may be left at www.hdoliver.com
