With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Lillie Bell Dotts, 79, of Salters, SC, wife of Joseph Dotts, who passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025 at MUSC, Florence, SC.

Life Reflections of Mother Lillie Bell Dotts

A Virtuous Woman ~ Shall Wear A Crown

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.                                     2 Timothy 4:7-8

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.               Proverbs 31:10 ~ 29-31

God's Creation of a Virtuous Woman

On June 2, 1945, God exhaled and gave life to the most virtuous woman creation, Lillie Bell Mabry, daughter of the late Authur Sr. and Emma Chandler Mabry. Lillie Bell lived her life according to the Word of God found in Proverbs 31. She kind, compassionate, hardworking, disciplined, and took care of her family. Her speech was a woman of virtue: wisdom and instruction and she was a woman of noble character.

A Virtuous Servant of God

Sister Dotts accepted the LORD Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. She was saved, sanctified, and filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. Her life living was the evidence as the Glory of God was revealed in her life daily. She was a lifelong member of St. Luke United Methodist Church Salters, South Carolina for over 40 years. She served diligently on the Usher Board and the senior choir. God lead her to transition in servanthood and she became a member and the church mother of Love Assembly Worship Center, Greeleyville, South Carolina under the leadership of Bishop Vernell and Pastor Bridgette Brown. Mother Dotts continued to serve faithfully for several years. She would be on her post reporting for duty consistently and with a smile. Even as her physical health declined, her spirit man inclined towards heaven. Her personal testimony during sickness was "I know my redeemer lives, and there is a crown of righteousness waiting on me."

A Virtuous and Faithful Wife

Lillie Bell was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, Joseph Dotts on April 11, 1964. God recently blessed them to celebrate sixty-one years of marriage.

A Virtuous Woman of Wisdom and Skill

Lillie Bell was educated in the public schools of Williamsburg County and attended Thompson High School. She was a dependable worker who was dedicated to taking care of her family. Her work ethics spoke for itself as she was blessed to retire from three employment organizations in her life time. Lillie loved sewing fine garments and made most of her family's clothing by hand on her sewing machine. This craft led her to employment at Oneita Sewing Factory, where she diligently sewed garments for over twenty years retiring when the factory closed. Sister Dotts loved cooking and made many homemade dishes from scratch. Her talents allowed her to begin her second career and day job in 1989 with the Williamsburg County School District in Culinary Arts. She loved serving students and mankind alike in the kitchen with love and compassion, allowing many to be drawn to her. Her commitment to hard work and dedication of love to providing for her family allowed her to work two jobs at the same time. She was also employed by Georgetown Hospital System with the evening/night custodian crew. Lillie Bell retired from both organizations in 2006. After retirement, she was steadfast with a zeal for helping others, and gave of herself to take care of their needs. She became a personal home caretaker for the late Mrs. Emily Myers, serving her as a client and friend for many years until her health failed. Sister Dotts, was a virtuous woman! Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

A Virtuous Servant of Mankind

Mother Dotts was also a dedicated and committed member of "Rooted in Prayer Breakfast Group", Greeleyville, South Carolina. This group was founded by Sister Raydell McCray, who was Mother Dotts prayer partner and friend. The committee members became like family, and the gatherings were joyous occasions that she looked forward to in sharing family, food, and fellowship with love.

A Virtuous Woman Wears a Crown of Righteousness

On, Friday April 18, 2025, God in His infinite wisdom allowed the Heavenly angels to summon His servant preparing for a smooth transition to her Heavenly home. She heard the angels singing the old song of Zion, "There's a Leak in This Old Building." God inhaled and received the soul of a virtuous woman, Mother Lillie Bell Dotts. She received her crown of righteousness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Authur Sr. and Emma Mabry; her daughter, Melissa Elenor Dotts, her grandson she reared as her own Kevin Dotts. 3 sisters, Norma Salters, Carrie Riggins, and Hallie Beaty; 2 brothers, James Mabry and Authur Mabry Jr.

Virtuous Cherished Memories

Mother Lillie Bell's family was her love and her life; as she left a legacy that will continue to grow in wisdom as those left shall cherish her memories for eternity; her loving husband, Joseph Dotts of the home; two dedicated daughters, Cathy (Walter) Cosom of Columbia, SC and Linda Dotts McKnight both of Salters, SC; one sincere stepson, Tony (Dedria) Allen of Philadelphia, PA;  three graceful grandsons she reared as her own, Rodney McKnight of Salters, SC, Jerrode (Rashada) McKnight of Gaston, SC  and Jamar Conyers of Cayce, SC; three grateful granddaughters she reared as her own, Jasmine Conyers of the home, Kimelia Conyers of Kingstree, SC and Catavia Hugee of Columbia, SC; two additional grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; five sweet sisters-in-law, Dessie Chandler and Evelyn (Harold) Pope both of Salters, SC., Mammie Mabry, Patricia Mabry and Roberta Mabry all of New Haven, CT; two brave brothers-in-law, Jimmy Riggins of Salters, SC and John Ernest Dotts of Titusville, FL; two faithful friends, Sister Nora L. Benbow of Lane, SC and Sister Raydell (Elder Edward) McCray of Salters, SC; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church families, other relatives and dear friends.

The family is receiving friends and family at her late residence 209 Dowen Road, Salters, SC.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292