Dorothy Novetta (Donathan) Nelson

Ms. Dorothy Novetta Nelson, age 81, of Dobson, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, February 9, 2026, at Central Continuing Care in Mt. Airy.

Ms. Nelson was born on September 23, 1944, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to the late William Howard Donathan and Ernestine White Donathan. She dedicated many years of hard work as a knitter, first with ArmTex for 21 years and later with Carolon for an additional 25 years. Dorothy was a very loving, caring, and God-fearing woman who treasured her family above all else. She enjoyed spending time with her loved ones, playing cards, listening to bluegrass music, and especially the music of Elvis. She also loved living near the beauty of Pilot Mountain, which brought her much joy and comfort.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David William Nelson; grandson, Thomas Anthony Childress; and her great-grandson, Brayden William Nelson.

Those left to cherish her memory include one son, David Michael Nelson; two daughters, Barbara Dean Nelson Walker, and Deborah Lynn Nelson Williams; seven grandchildren, Travis (Shana) Childress, Nathan Andrew (Sarah) Nelson, William Dean (Hayden) Nelson, Douglas Timothy Williams, Jennifer Michelle Walker, Michael Adam (Leslie Collins) Nelson, and Matthew Lee Nelson; and twelve great-grandchildren, James Childress, Amber Childress, Kaylen Autumn Nelson, Macie Gracie Nelson, Mason Paul Walker, Dalton William Kye Walker, Alora June Hall, Ian Leftwich, Ivy Ball, Grant Snow, Tucker Childress, and Evan Childress.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Cox-Needham Funeral Home.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the love and support shown during this time. Ms. Nelson’s kindness, strength, and unwavering faith will be remembered always.

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