Dorris Gray Noce

1940 - 2025

Dorris Gray Noce

July 26, 1940 - April 15, 2025

Dorris Ann Virginia Gray Noce', lovingly and affectionately known as "Dottie", of Salem, VA, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 84. Dottie was born in Toccoa, GA, to John Sewall and Madeline Cole Gray on July 26, 1940. She was one of five children and was raised with a whole lot of love on a cotton and cattle farm in Laurens, SC. She was a true southern belle. Dottie met the love of her life, Peter, while still attending Laurens High School, a tall, dark, handsome Italian from "the North", new in town, who had taken his first job as a disc jockey at the local WLBJ radio station. They fell madly in love. She was only 17. After graduating high school, Dottie went on to the University of South Carolina in Columbia, where Pete served in the Army at Ft. Jackson and worked part-time at night as a local DJ while she studied early childhood education. A Northerner and a Southerner; An Italian and a D.A.R.; A Roman Catholic and a Southern Baptist. Their families said, "They'll never make it." Regardless, with a borrowed dress from a friend and with love in their eyes, the two lovebirds eloped on May 28, 1960. For 63 years, Peter and Dottie made their own way, and their love, commitment, and devotion to one another was nothing short of magical. Peter called Dottie "his bride" until his very last day.

Pete and Dottie had four children- Ginger, Jay, Jeff, and Jodi. The family made their home in Columbia, SC, then moved on to Charlotte, NC, and finally to the Roanoke Valley, where they resided for almost 50 years. Throughout her years, Dottie was the backbone of support to Peter's many successful business ventures. Additionally, she was always involved in education-- either through teaching school or nurturing her own belief in lifelong learning. She earned a master's degree in liberal arts from Hollins College at age 50. She went on to take classes from her local community college, Virginia Western, where she studied horticulture, media science, and various other topics of interest. She found passion in both gardening and water coloring later in life and turned herself into a commissioned artist. Her artwork is treasured by many, but none more so than her family.

For many years, Dottie also enjoyed playing tennis and golf as a member of Hidden Valley Country Club. She had many friendships there, along with her Southern Living Luncheon group. She and her beloved Pete loved to travel. Dottie and Pete were faithful members of Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church for almost 50 years. Genuine, quiet, and refined, Dottie was a true gem with a fun sense of humor. She could "shop-til-you-drop" and taught us all many fun and important truisms of life, such as "a woman can never have enough pairs of shoes" and "hide the bags in the trunk until your father goes to bed!". She raised her children well, with her Southern influence and grace, insisting on ideas such as: respectful conversations must include "Ma'am", "Sir", "Please", and "Thank You"; "there is no such thing as unsweet tea," and to always show gratitude and appreciation of others than by taking the time to write thoughtful, handwritten thank you notes. "Love you More" and "WHAT A DAY!" were two of her expressions that will never be forgotten.

Missing everything about her, Dottie is survived by three children, Ginger Noce (Kristy), Jay Noce (Kathleen), Jodi Noce Donovan (George); daughter-in-law, Leah Noce and 12 adoring grandchildren. She is predeceased by her precious son, Jeff Noce, and her beloved husband of 63 years, Peter Joseph Noce, Sr.

A private celebration of life will be held by the family, as she would have wanted. Her ashes will be placed in the Basilica of St. Andrew columbarium beside her beloved Pete in Roanoke, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations be made in Dottie's name to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We will always "Love You More", Dottie.