Dottie M. Lyerly, 80, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on 22 July 2022. Born in Gastonia, NC on the 27 June 1942, Mrs. Lyerly was the daughter of Alva Lee and Ruth McCarter.
She was a graduate of Ashley High School in Gastonia, Newberry College and earned a master’s degree in religious education from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC. She served many years in the Lutheran church as an educator, nursery attendant and choir member. She found joy in music, reading, taking care of children, crafting homemade gifts and spending time with friends and family. She was an amazing hostess and celebrated many religious festivals with congregational members in her home.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 55 years, the Rev Gary R. Lyerly. They were blessed with one son, Cory Lyerly of Raleigh, NC and a daughter and son-in law, Carla and Kurt Linebarger of Gainesville, FL and their children Aidan and Rylan. Dottie also has one surviving brother, Dr. Rus L. McCarter (Gardner Mann). She is also survived by six nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Lee C. McCarter, and a nephew.
The family wishes to thank many of the loving people who were a part of Dottie’s life and the many caregivers who helped her these last few months, including Mrs. Rosetta Burton and Prisma Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in her honor, with a suggestion being: The Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC (4201 North Main Street, Columbia, SC 29203) or any charity of one’s choice.
A graveside service will be held Friday on 29 of July 2022, 3:00pm at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Rockwell, NC. The service will be conducted by her nephew, the Rev. Eric Fink of Living Springs Lutheran Church, Columbia, SC.
