Dorothy Mae Neidy, of Springfield, went to be with her Lord on the morning of Friday, April 9. A remarkable woman of strong, unyielding faith, Dorothy was 94. She will be remembered for putting concern for others above herself and a deep love for God's Word. Her family will smile as they remember her keen sense of humor and fun spirit.

The only child of Ruby Mae and Barney Glover Norris, of Detroit, Michigan, Dorothy was born on October 28, 1926. Dorothy met the love of her life, Frederick George Neidy, in the cafeteria of their Detroit high school. The pair married in 1946 and together embarked on nearly 50 years of wonderful marriage.

During their courtship and early marriage in Detroit, Dorothy and Fred found great enjoyment in ice skating. As a young mother, she participated in a women's bowling league. She greatly enjoyed backyard gardening. Dorothy was a life-long sports fan, knowing more about collegiate and professional athletes than most. She was an excellent cook and hostess; her holiday meals will not soon be forgotten.

Dorothy's long life was marked by her Kingdom service. Dorothy lovingly served the congregation of South Side Baptist Church alongside Fred, who led the church as Senior Pastor for 31 years. From their home on Valley Road, Dorothy welcomed and fed hundreds of South Side parishioners, baked thousands of her famous cookies for church events and celebrations, and regularly hosted women's prayer and Bible study groups.

In her retirement years, Dorothy was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. She held a fondness for the church's Celebrate Recovery Ministry and was an active member of the church's prayer team. As she neared the end of life, Dorothy regularly participated in the Bible Studies and Prayer Groups hosted at her assisted living facility, North Park Village in Ozark.

She is survived by a son, Paul, of Springfield; a daughter and her husband, Maralee and David Cook, of Fremont Hills; a granddaughter and her husband, Amy and Martin Killeen of Lincoln, Nebraska; and a granddaughter, Emily Buckley-Griffin of Fremont Hills. Dorothy had five great-grandchildren; Peter, Patrick, Liam, and Lucy Killeen of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Charlotte Griffin of Fremont Hills.

Dorothy's family welcomes all to come celebrate her life on Friday, April 16. Visitation will be hosted from 10 – 11 a.m., with services immediately following at 11 a.m.; both at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home with the Pastor Johnny Patterson officiating. A private family burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery.

The family wants to thank all of Dorothy's caregivers. Her 'second family' at North Park Village will always be appreciated; as will the staff of The Neighborhoods at Quail Creek, who showed great kindness during her final days.