DOROTHY JEAN (DOT) TAYLOR WEIMAN

In the dark early hours of April 28th, 1929, Baxter Brooks Taylor walked with his lantern and crossed the Powell River into Appalachia's New Bottom to summon the town doctor, CA Hutchinson, on Spruce Street. That morning, Dorothy Jean Taylor, Dot or Dottie to friends, was born. In mystery only the Creator understands, Dot's spirit rose peacefully to the heavens in the dark early hours of May 16th, 2026, in Orlando, FL.

Dot grew up on Blondell and then Dixon Av. The Powell River, with its baptisms and blackberries, remained fondly in her memories, along with the whistles of steam locomotives, where her father worked 50 years for Southern Railway. 

Dot attended AHS and graduated as valedictorian at Hiwassee College. Working in various locations for Brown & Root, she met her husband when he was stationed in Houston, TX. She married at the Appalachia Methodist Church; Betty Cress was Maid Of Honor. Dot and Andy settled in Orlando during her husband's final work station, McCoy AFB. She taught business education and retired from Orange County Public Schools after decades of service.

In retirement, she enjoyed travel and family reunions.

Dot's kindness, compassion, and love were reflected in a smile that often brought a cheerful response or wave from strangers.

Her favorite causes were the Appalachia Cultural Arts Center and her local food bank. If we don't cherish our history, she asked, who will remember us? If we don't support the needy among us, who will?

She is survived by her son, Andrew Shiloh; nieces Shanda Horner (Garnett), Kathy Turner (Sonny), and Susan Leathers (Larry); nephew "Backy" Taylor (Katie); and beloved cats, those living and those greeting her at the Rainbow Bridge.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Baxter Brooks and Amelia Wacks Taylor; her husband Andrew Lawrence Weiman (USAF Ret, Maj); sister Evelyn Kiser; brother BB Taylor Jr (Hilda); and nephew John Taylor (Allison).

Old age includes falls; fortunately, she was spared from damage. At one ER visit, the doctor came personally to inform her the brain scan was clean. She shared a secret. "Doc, Could've saved time and effort if you'd just asked where I'm from." "Where you from, Miss?" "Southwest Virginia. Everyone knows we're hard-headed!"

Dot Taylor's final wish: Kindness to each other.

Dot will be interred with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery.