Joan Carolyn Dotson

Seminole resident, Joan Dotson, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in Seminole, at the age of 81. 

Joan, the daughter of George and Allena (Nallia) Milby, was born November 25, 1943, in Hodgenville, Kentucky, where she graduated high school at LaRue County High School. After relocating to Oklahoma, she worked for the Seminole County Health Department and retired after 26 years. She was a longtime member of the Seminole First Baptist Church and spent many fulfilling years working in children’s ministries, including Children’s Director. This included being a children’s Sunday School teacher for much of that time. On October 24, 2001, Joan married Herman Kay Dotson, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her husband Kay. They took countless trips to Branson. They especially loved the shows at Sight and Sound Theatre and The Presley’s Country Jubilee. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, and walking with dear friends. Most of all, Joan cherished spending time with family, playing games with her kids and grandkids, and decorating their home for Christmas for all to enjoy. 

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, George and Allena Milby; and her siblings, Robert “Ed” Milby, George “Jack” Milby, Linda Loeser, Pauline “Polly” Sidebottom, and Imogene “Jean” Richards. 

Joan is survived by her husband, Kay Dotson; children, John Mark Holley, David Joseph Holley, Pamela C. (Holley) Spears and Chris, Charles Robert Holley and Dana, and Lana Melton and Doug; grandchildren, Cody Holley, Austin Holley and Kailey, Brittney Branch and Ty, Holli Ann Houser and Kaleb, Lauren Clark and Carter, Allison Wendel and Joshua, Charley Holley, Drew Melton and Brittany, Zach Melton and Libby, Brandon Melton and Tayler, and Samuel Melton and Kenna; 16 great grandchildren and two on the way; and many other family and friends. 

Funeral service will be Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:00 A.M., at the Seminole First Baptist Church, with Dr. Doug Melton officiating. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.