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Dorothy Clinton
TUPELO, Miss. — Dorothy Marshall Clinton, formerly of Sikeston, Missouri, died peacefully in Tupelo, July 28, 2022. A woman of strong Christian faith, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Dorothy Clinton was born to Dean and Myrtle Marshall on Oct. 11, 1926 in Sikeston. A lifelong resident of Sikeston, she attended Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, as a pianist studying music. During World War II, she returned to Sikeston where she was employed as a telephone operator. Dorothy met the love of her life and best friend, Ray Clinton, when he came to Sikeston after the war to found the R. Clinton Construction Company. They married on Dec. 13, 1947, and were together until his passing on Aug. 20, 2011.
With Dorothy by his side supporting his vision every step of the way, Ray developed many farsighted and successful business projects. They were long-standing, active members of the Sikeston First Baptist Church and shared a deep dedication to their community.
Together they raised four children.
Dorothy was a charter member of the Pink Ladies at the Missouri Delta Medical Center. She was a Girl Scout leader, active in the PTA, and a charter member of the JU chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She loved to play bridge, and she was wise.
Dorothy and Ray were travelers. From a pontoon and a speed boat at Kentucky Lake, to an oceangoing boat in the Florida Keys, they loved boating. Every year they traveled with a dear group of friends they called the Biloxi Group.
Private interment will be at a later date.
Senter Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Klein of Tupelo; daughter, Sheila Williams (Rick) of Clinton, Missouri; son, Chuck Clinton (Liza) of Shreveport, Louisiana; and son, Steven Clinton of Naples, Florida. She is also survived by seven grandchildren Ray Bell, Joc Bell, Kelly Williams, Chris Clinton, Tiffany Clinton, Marshall Clinton, and Matthew Clinton; four great-grandchildren Stella Greenhill, Mamie Alston Bell, Joseph Bell and Jack Bell; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, three brothers and one grandchild preceded her death. She spent her final years in the care of her family in Tupelo.
In a letter Dorothy left for her children, she wrote wisdom to live by: "Always look for the good in others. With every blessing you receive, pay it forward. You don't need expensive things; remember you can make the best spaghetti in the world. Love your children. Enjoy life. Don't cry over things that were, or things that aren't. Above all seek God. He will come to you if you look."
Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.senterfuneraldirectors.com.
The family request memorial contributions to Missouri Delta Medical Center, www.missouridelta.com/foundation/inhonor-memory-of-someone/ in Sikeston or the Sanctuary Hospice House www.sanctuaryhospicehouse.com in Tupelo.