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Dorothy Clair Bess Wyatt, a child of God, died on December 3, 2010 after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis at her home in Havana FL. Dorothy was born April 6, 1951, in Petaluma CA to Willie Hubert and Hilda Mitchell Bess. She spent her childhood years as a GI brat living in California, Germany and Oklahoma, where she graduated from Midwest City High School, home of the Bombers, in 1969. She also was a graduate of the MWC School of Practical Nursing in 1970. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert (Bob), Harold Wyatt in 1970. Bob joined the Navy and they moved to Virginia where their son Daks Anthony Wyann was born, at home, in 1972. After discharge from the Navy the family moved back to Norman, OK, and Dorothy began a long career in Psychiatric Nursing in the Oklahoma City area. Dorothy earned her Registered Nursing credentials around 1980 from the St. Anthony’s Hospital Nursing Program. Her love of Psychiatry took her into the area of Psychiatric research at the University of Oklahoma, where she was co-author of several papers and reports. Dorothy’s life was one of joy and tragedy, not always in equal shares. Her beloved husband Bob died unexpectedly from cardiac problems in 1992. The death of her mother came in 1993 after Dorothy had provided for her medical care for about five years. She continued her work and was again dealt a blow with the death of her son Daks Anthony in 2007 from complications to Diabetes. Dorothy had recently been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and was placed on disability that same year. Dorothy moved to Havana in 2008 to live with her brother Bill and was rejuvenated by the small town contacts and friendliness she found there. She managed to become an integral part of the town for the first 15 months in Havana, participating in planning a five k run, making suits for Mrs. Claus and moderating a circle of the Presbyterian Women. She also ws a planner for her brother’s wedding to Kathi, who became a member of the household in 2009. During this time she was being considered for a lung transplant at the Shands Medical Center. But once again, Dorothy’s health took a turn for the worse and she was hospitalized several times in the last six months of her life. She was always upbeat around others and had a very dry sense of humor. She enjoyed visits from her friends, especially David Pyle who would come to the house and watch wrestling with her. They attended a local Senior’s Prom about six months before her death. The family gives thanks to David for being a special friend to Dorothy. Dorothy is survived by her brother, The Reverend George William (Bill) and Kathy Rowe Bess of Havana, her sister Mary Elizabeth Bess Selby and William (Tom) Selby of League City TX, niece Kendra Renee and Gregg Orndorff of Albuquerque NM, nephew Scott William and Christian Bess of Denver, CO, niece, Lisha Nicole Abbey of Norman OK, and niece Lauren Renee Abbey of San Antonio TX. Grand niece and nephews include: Bradley Daks Orndorff, Kayla Nichole Orndorff, and Tristen School Orndorff, all of Albuquerque NM, and Michael William Bess, and Matthew Christopher Bess of Dencer CO. Dorothy is predeceased by her parents Willie and Hilda Bess, husband Bob Wyatt, and son Daks Wyatt. Memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Havana on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 11:00 AM with a reception with the family following at the church. The Reverend Ruth Mashewske will officiate the service. Ruth served as pastor to Dorothy during her time in Havana. The family request memorial donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Havana, attention Presbyterian Women, PO Box 707, Havana FL 32333. The family thanks all the people of Havana and the Tallahassee medical community for their care and friendship during the last two years, especially to Dr. Mark Newberry and the staff in Havana. Arrangements by Faith Funeral Home, in Havana FL. |
