Dorothy (Barker) White

AUBURN – Longtime resident, Dorothy White, 94, of Jay, passed away peacefully Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, following a long and well-lived life in service to God, her family, and her community.

She was born Aug. 24, 1928, in Jay, to Henry and Marian Barker, in the home where she lived all her life. She graduated from Jay High School in 1946. In 1949, she married her high school sweetheart, Calvin C. White. They were married for 27 years until his untimely death in 1976. Dorothy served as the secretary at Jay Elementary School for 31 years, retiring in 1995.

Dorothy was involved in community activity all of her adult life. She was an active member of Jay Baptist Church, where she was organist and music director for 70 years, enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and belonged to the Ladies Aid. She was also a member of East Dixfield Grange and served as president of the Jay Historical Society for many years. Most recently, she was instrumental in the completion of the Jay Gazebo, located at the town offices.

She had an insatiable curiosity about the world around her and traveled extensively, learning all she could about the people and cultures she encountered. In 2018, at the age of 89, she graduated from the University of Maine Farmington, majoring in English. Her cheerfulness, kindness, and benevolence flowed from her faith in Jesus Christ and touched many lives in the community and beyond.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Susan Austin and her husband, Jim of Midlothian, Va., her son, Jeffrey and his wife, Cynthia of Paris Hill, her daughter-in-law, Judy of Jefferson; her six grandchildren, Adam Austin, Seth Austin, Laura Dunlow, McKenzie White, Danielle Brown, Hilary Simon-White; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, including David, Bonnie, and Donald (deceased) Barker with whom she enjoyed a close and life-long relationship as their “Antie Dot”.

Dorothy was greatly saddened by the loss of her beloved son, Steven White of Jefferson earlier this year. She was also predeceased by her husband, Calvin; and her brother, Robert Barker.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com

Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, at Finley Funeral Home, 15 Church St., Livermore Falls. The funeral services will be held 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Aug. 23, at Jay Baptist Church, 29 Smith Ave., Jay, with a graveside service to follow at Jay Hill Cemetery.