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Dotsie Pinkston Obituary
"Dot" as she was known to many, was born April 15, 1908, to the late Frank Benjamin and Sarah Barrett. She grew up in the Capron/Courtland, Va., area. In her early adult years she relocated to Hampton, Va., living with her late Uncle and Aunt, Nelson and Rosa Harris.
She later met the love of her life, Martin Luther Pinkston, and was united in marriage in 1949. She also joined Lincoln Park Baptist (now Canaan Baptist Church), where she served in the capacity of Organist, Church Clerk and Custodian for many, many years. She also sang in the Inspirational Choir and served as a Gleaner until her failing health.
"Dot" was also a master seamstress, preparing beautiful garments for not just herself, but for many others. She was a self-taught pianist, who loved to sing God's praises.
She was a witty person, loving people and could always make you laugh; but most of all she loved the Lord and always gave Him the praise He deserved.
"Dot" was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Sarah Barrett; her special uncle, Nelson; and her beloved husband, Martin.
She leaves to cherish her memory, one son, Benjamin Frank Barrett Sr. of Hampton; a daughter-in-law, Mary M. Barrett of Hampton; a special cousin, James N. Harris of Hampton; a caring "roommate", Thelma A. Mills of Hampton; six grandchildren, Terethia (Terri) Barrett of Portsmouth, Benjamin ("BJ") Barrett, Jr. and James A. Barrett both of Hampton, James Harris stationed in Germany, and Jerome Barrett and Timothy Barrett, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.; 29 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; a special niece, Carrie Glymph of Hampton; a special great-niece, Antoinette Whitts of Hampton, and a host of other loving family members and caring friends.
A celebration of life will we held at noon Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, at the Canaan Baptist Church, 1100 W. Queen St., Hampton with Bishop Samuel L. Cutler officiating. Interment will be held at Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at the funeral home. The family would like to thank the staff of ICU Sentara Careplex Hospital and the Sentara Nursing Home. Arrangements by Ronald C. Perkins Funeral Home, Ronald C. Perkins Jr., funeral director. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dotsie Pinkston
Elisa Mills
September 17, 2008
My Grandma Dotsie
Never in My wildest imaginings, would I have believed that I would be so very blessed to experience anyone as wonderful and awe inspiring as Dotsie Barrett Pinkston.
She had this incredible gentleness about her that peaked the senses and the mind.
She would leave you completely disarmed, with the feeling of love and kindness that completely filled your life with hope and love
Hers was a heart that swept clean any distrust of mankind and breathed new life and soul into yours.
She had a realness that I have never known, yet not feared, a special kind of comfort so new and complete. So subtle and refined, a feeling of reality, faith, soul, all of these and more.
Compassion that need not be examined, an essence clear and true, a wonderful woman to be cherished for all seasons and all reasons.
She has left us with a legacy so much more than anyone could have imagined.
Most people are born into a world of 2 sets of grandparents I was blessed with a third set. Dotsie and Martin Pinkston.
Dotsie was a wonderful woman that I looked to as Grandma. filling the space in my heart that a grandparent is supposed to fill. Even though there were "real" grandparents She had was my Grandma in my heart, my day to day life. The others I did not know Though we may not have been blood relatives the love we felt for each other made us family. She took us and in and loved us as though we were her own. My Tommy considered her his Great Grandma, loved and respected her as such.
Meeting Dotsie was one of the most wonderful things that happened to me EVER, Not that I knew it at the time. But I got a fantastic set of Grandparents making for a very dynamic and unique family. the day to day stuff and of course They were included in the IMPORTANT stuff of life, dinners, Holidays, graduation, weddings, birthdays, and of course births .I will always hold this family very dear and close to my heart.
As Dotsie and Martin looked on, they were both so proud that day that I took my wedding vows, in this very church. I made sure that they were seated where "my" Grandparents belonged on the brides side of the family. Poor Terri I made a bridesmaid, in pink non the less.
We all have been blessed to have Dotsie in our lives and see her make it to the surprising age of 100. How many families can say that.
When I looked at Dotsie I saw love, hope and what life could be. I hope she saw that same love when she looked at me, and what would become my family. She was surrounded by love in unique and huge family. Anyone that met her respected and loved her.
I remember when my Grand Dad Martin passed away: it seemed that she was more concerned with my feelings and emotions than she own. That was the kind of Lady she was, and her family took priority over everything, even her own feelings.
Those sweet potato pies, one of my most favorite treats, but only the ones that she made. Something was different, there was a secret ingredient LOVE. Dotsie even sent one to Florida when Mom, Tommy and I went on vacation one year. They were the best pies EVER. That pie was included in holiday meals at the house also.
She was and is the person that I want to be when I grow up.
Today we should not be sad at her passing. She is with her Beloved Martin. We should come out of the darkness that has enfolded our hearts. Turn our faces up to the bright shining love that she had for us. WE will miss her, but we will always carry the warmth of her love in our hearts. Until that time comes when we all she be meet her once again.
May God Bless you Dotsie, I know I am blessed to have had you in my life for so many years and in my heart....... forever. Which is exactly where you will remain. Thank you Grandma Dotsie.
Karen Texara
September 15, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you Ben B. and your family. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask.
Jerome Barrett
September 14, 2008
I am going to miss you very much. Thank you for teaching me about life, love, and faith. I enjoy our talks and times together. We make breakfast, lunch, dinner and have fun doing it. I love you grandma. I will pray for you in my heart and soul.
Donna Williams
September 12, 2008
May God bless you Ben B. and your family during this time of loss. May you always smile with the memories you have of your mother. My thoughts are with you.
Charlotte M. Taylor
September 11, 2008
I will miss you Mother Pinkston very much and I did not forget how to make your tomatoe pudding which you made for me every time I visited you. You and your family will always be in my prays.
Deborah Campbell Jenkins
September 11, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Michelle Gray Beard
September 11, 2008
May God comfort you in your time of need. My prayers are with you.
Anita Griffith
September 11, 2008
May the memories of a such lovely woman give you comfort in your time of need and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Neat
Grady Harrison
September 11, 2008
Our prayers and thouhgts are with you and your family.
Pat, Tippy, Grady
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