Dorothy Ruth Jeffers

Dorothy Ruth Jeffers, a beacon of love and kindness, graced this world with her presence on July 18, 1943, in Los Angeles, California. Her journey came to a peaceful close with her family by her side on April 6, 2024, in Dothan, Alabama, after a courageous battle with an extended illness. Dorothy's life was a testament to the power of positivity, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to cross her path.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 A.M. Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Harvest church with Pastor Larry Anderson officiating and Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Born to Jesse and Gretchen McKinney, Dorothy was a miracle from the start, weighing only 2.4 pounds at birth. Her tenacity and zest for life shone brightly as she grew into a woman of exceptional character. Dorothy's heart found its match in Keith Robert Jeffers, whom she married in 1967. This cherished memory marked the beginning of a loving partnership that would bless them with two devoted daughters, Ruth and Mary.

Dorothy's educational pursuits led her to Arkansas State University, where she honed her artistic talents. Yet, her favorite professional chapter unfolded alongside her dear friend Wendy McFarland in the quiet corners of a library, where she found joy in the simple pleasure of books and the stories they held.

Dorothy's entrepreneurial spirit was further ignited when she and her husband opened Jeffers Pet in 1975, in West Plains, Missouri before relocating to Dothan, Alabama.  Pouring her love into the family business and creating lifelong memories through the simple act of hand-delivering catalogs with Keith and their daughters and being named Drovers Journal Beef Businesswoman of the Year 1988.

Her interests painted the portrait of a woman who cherished life's simple pleasures and grand adventures alike. Dorothy's love for Marco Island in Florida was matched only by her dedication to her faith community at Harvest Church. She was a loving mother and grandmother, whose heart knew no bounds, extending her warmth to her grandchildren.

Dorothy's spirit was a rare blend of generosity and joy. She adored her first 1966 Red Mustang, a symbol of the freedom and excitement that life had to offer. A connoisseur of good food and good company, she knew every waiter and waitress by name at her favorite Dothan restaurants, always ready to treat someone to a meal. Her home was a sanctuary of kindness, where visitors never left without a gift, a handwritten letter or card, evidence of her spiritual gift of encouragement.

The words loving, kind, and selfless were not just descriptors for Dorothy; they were the very essence of her being. Her giving heart found joy in lift the spirits of those around her. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of avocados, Coca-Cola, and popcorn.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Gretchen McKinney, and her husband, Keith Robert Jeffers. Her legacy of love continues through her survivors: daughters, Ruth Jeffers Phillips (Kenneth) and Mary Jeffers Antonelli; grandchildren, Sidney Antonelli Garrett (Stormm), Michael Antonelli II, Alex Jeffers (Alexia), and Lili Jeffers; her cherished cat, Gracie; and countless special friends whose lives she touched.

Dorothy's life was a portrait of what it means to be loving, kind, and selfless. She left an indelible mark on the world, one that will be remembered and celebrated by those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her spirit, characterized by her unwavering encouragement and generosity, will continue to inspire and guide us. Dorothy Ruth Jeffers was truly one of a kind, and her memory will be cherished forever. 

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothy's name to Harvest Church Dothan City Evangelism. Harvest Online Giving

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