Dorothy Mae Beaty was born on September 15, 1942, in Kinston, North Carolina to Johnnie Kelly and Lucy Kelly (both deceased). She was called to her eternal resting place on June 26, 2025, due to a period of ongoing health challenges at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.

She attended JH Sampson Elementary School and graduated from Adkin Senior High School in 1962. She then furthered her education at Saint Augustine University, Raleigh, North Carolina, where she pursued general educational studies, exemplifying her commitment to learning and personal growth. After leaving college, Dorothy became a resident teacher at CH Bynum Elementary School in Kinston, North Carolina. She then relocated to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she met the love of her life, Mr. Melvin Curtis Beaty Sr., and they were married in 1967. Together, they shared 47 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2014.

Dorothy was the heartbeat of her home and tirelessly balanced two jobs while selflessly providing unwavering care to her husband, supporting his recovery through seven major surgeries and years of health uncertainty. Along with maintaining two jobs and caring for her husband, Dorothy was a remarkable mother whose strength and dedication profoundly shaped the lives of her three sons Melvin Jr., Brian, and Gerald.

Dorothy dedicated over 30 years of her life working as a Machine Operator, Production and Finishing, Quality Control, and Safety Officer for Unique Furniture Company, Collingwood Furniture Industries, and Thomasville Furniture. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life as she joined the church at a very early age. She actively served Phillips Chapel Baptist Church, generously giving her time and talents. Her contributions on the Usher Board and as a member of the Intermediate Choir reflected her dedication to service and her love for her church family.

Above all, she was a loving mother who cherished her family above all else. Her humor, warmth, kindness, and nurturing spirit touched the lives of everyone she met.

She leaves to mourn her three sons, Melvin Curtis Beaty, Jr. of New Braunfels, Texas, Brian Keith Beaty of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Gerald Lynn Beaty of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter-in-law, Eurika Donella Adams Beaty of New Braunfels, Texas; six grandchildren, Keshawn Deandre Beaty of Columbia, South Carolina, Briana Kymani Beaty of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Aniya Simone Beaty of Clovis, New Mexico, Jakai Nassier Beaty of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Tameea Grace Beaty of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and John Curtis Beaty of New Braunfels, Texas; siblings, JC Kelly (Laura) of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Anne Midgette (Vorise) of Kinston, North Carolina, Brenda Kelly of Kinston, North Carolina, Yvonne Lawson of Kinston, North Carolina, Thaddeous Kelly (Beverly) of San Antonio, Texas, Anthony Kelly (Audrey) of Asheville, North Carolina, and Geron Kelly (Sametha) of Kinston, North Carolina; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Her legacy of love, faith, and hard work will forever remain in our hearts. We find comfort in knowing she is now at peace, resting in the arms of the Lord she loved and served. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Phillips Chapel Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Chad Armstrong officiating.  Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 11:00am on Tuesday at the Church.