Obituary

Dorothy Hatfield McGinnis
(January 29, 1930 - June 17, 2017

Dorothy Hatfield McGinnis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on June 17, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family, friends and loved ones. Dorothy was born January 29, 1930, in Huntington and was the daughter of Emily and Homer Hatfield. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Kermit Eldridge McGinnis, with whom she shared 66 wonderful years of marriage. Dorothy graduated from Huntington East High School in 1947. Throughout high school she studied voice with Marguerite Neekamp-Stein. In 1950 Dorothy graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Music and English, the same year she married Kermit. In 1951 she continued to pursue her life long love of music and literature as a teacher at Milton High School. In 1953 she performed on the stage at the Keith –Albee Theatre as the lead opera singer in “Amahl and The Night Visitors”, the city of Huntington’s first full length opera. Dorothy continued to sing joyously for many years as a soloist with the Huntington Symphony Orchestra and as a choir member at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church. Throughout the years, Dorothy was also active in many community organizations including The City of Huntington Foundation, “OLE” (Opera Lovers Everywhere), the Huntington Garden Club, the Cabell-Wayne and State Historical Societies, and helped establish the Palm Beach Center for Living which would later become known as the Namaste Center in Flat Rock, NC. Dorothy, inspired by her mother, Emily, also loved to garden and spent much of her free time creating lovely Japanese and rock gardens with her children, grandchildren, and dear friend Greg Nance. Her proudest accomplishment was that of being a beloved wife, mother, and grandparent, affectionately known as “Grandma Dot.” Dorothy’s love and legacy live on through her children and grandchildren; Kermit H. McGinnis of New Haven, KY; Suzanne McGinnis Oxley of Huntington (married to Leon K. Oxley); Charlotte E. McGinnis of Flat Rock, NC; (partner, Ellen Sherman); Mollie McGinnis Hinckley of Johns Creek, GA (married to Gerard J. Hinckley); in addition to six grandchildren; David McGinnis, Laura McGinnis Foor; (married to Cole Foor) Sam Oxley, Grace, Hannah and Emily Hinckley and one great grand-daughter, Addie FoorWe are so blessed for the love shared from her wonderful nieces and nephews and Dorothy’s closest friend and cousin, Vicki Cheek Derifield, who has been a means of unconditional support and love throughout her life. The family wishes to acknowledge the compassionate and tender care from her physician, Dr. Cynthia Pinson and her caregivers, Betty Evans, Lisa Estep, and Barbara Harless. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 2017 by the Rev. Teresa Deane with visitation 12 noon until service time at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church. A private internment will be held at Ridgelawn Memorial Park.