Dorothy (Dot) Jane Seagle Johnson, of Hickory, formerly of Lincolnton, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2014. She was born July 8, 1925, daughter of the late Freddie L. and Bessie Mosteller Seagle. Dot was predeceased in death by sisters Mabel Seagle Bumgardner, Lucille Seagle Black, and Janice Seagle Dulin; brother Freddie Lee Seagle; niece Dr. Phyllis Allran Barber; and nephew-in-law Rev. Robert Shelby III. She is survived by her sister Gertrude Seagle Allran and brother-in-law Walter Dulin, both of Charlotte. Also surviving are nieces Virginia Black Shelby of Hudson, Anita Allran Finch of Durham, Linda Dulin Cagley and husband Mark of Charlotte, and nephew Fred Dulin and wife Linda of Jonesborough, TN. Surviving also are great nieces Virginia Shelby Hodges and husband Mack of Mt. Airy; Catherine Cagley of New York, NY; Lauren Cagley of Fairfax, VA; Kalli Dulin of Jonesborough, TN; and great-nephew Robert Shelby IV and wife Lynette of Granite Falls. Other survivors are great-great niece MacKenzie Hodges and great-great nephew, Taylor Hodges both of Mt. Airy. Her survivors also include two loving God-children, Shanna and Anthony Lieu; step children Bill Johnson and Robin Johnson; and step grandchildren, Adam Johnson and Amber Philbeck.
Dot graduated from Lincolnton High School as Salutatorian, a member of the National Honor Society, and the DAR History Medalist for making the highest grades in history -her love of history continued throughout her life. While in school, she was a member of the Debate Team and a Cheerleader. She was employed by the State of North Carolina and Lincoln County as Administrative Secretary in the NC Cooperative Extension Service for 60 consecutive years, setting a state record. In 2002, over 200 co-workers, friends, family, and government officials gathered to honor her when she was awarded the highest honor given by the governor, “The Order of the Long Leaf Pine,” for her many years of service to the people of North Carolina.
Throughout her life, she was active in community and church affairs. At Emmanuel Lutheran where she was a lifelong member, she served in many roles including Handbell Choir Member, Sunday School Teacher, Church Council Member, and Youth Advisor. She shared her love of music as a Choir Member lending her beautiful alto voice in joyous harmony. She volunteered with the American Cancer Society for over 50 years and served for many years as Secretary of the Lincoln County Apple Festival and member of the Lincoln Choral Guild. Dot will be remembered for her friendly Christian spirit, her keen sense of humor, and her abundant love.
A celebration of Dot’s life will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 216 South Aspen Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092, with internment immediately following at Hollybrook Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. at the church in the North Addition. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
