Obituary of Dorothy Venable Chilton

Dorothy Venable Chilton, aged 100, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and neighbor passed away on March 25, 2022, at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living, Boone, NC. She was born on March 17, 1922 in Guilford County, NC to the late Maurice and Hessie Lynch Venable. In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husbands, Bennie O'Bryant (1942–1987) and Jessie Chilton (1995–2010); siblings, Pauline Chrismon, Ethel McBryde and Lawrence Venable. Surviving are her sons, Harold O'Bryant (wife: Susan), of Boone, NC, Alan O'Bryant, of Pegram, TN; daughter, Alicia McAlister (husband: Eric), of Alexandria, KY; three grandsons, Calan and Ian O'Bryant of Pegram, TN, Devin McAlister, of Indianapolis IN; two granddaughters, Erin Morrow, of Holland, MI and Caite McGuire, of Winston Salem, NC. She has eight beloved great grandchildren. "Dot" lived a life of service to family, church and community with a special love for children, teaching preschool Sunday School at Midway Methodist Church for over 40 yrs. She also loved music and was active in the church choir, frequently providing fresh flower arrangements for the sanctuary. She was a member and active fund raiser for the Ladies Auxiliary VFW. She also enjoyed cooking for family and friends using the fruits and vegetables grown on the small family farm. Dot was intensely curious, artistic and energetic, using her creative skills to produce nearly two dozen beautiful heirloom quilts, then gifting them to family members. A prolific seamstress, she also taught others the art of needlework, including knitting, crocheting, tatting, and sewing. Her desire to do as much, for as many, for as long as she could, will remain one of her most enduring legacies. Due to pandemic concerns, no funeral service will be held at this time. The family will plan a memorial gathering and interment ceremony at a future date. In lieu of flowers, food, etc., memorials/donations may be mailed directly to Hospice at: 400 Shadowline Dr. (suite 102), Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared with the family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Chilton family