Dorothy Rhymer Rathbone

Clyde- On Wednesday, August 3, 2022 a dear and beloved lady who will never be forgotten, Dorothy Mae Rhymer Rathbone, age 83, was carried home by the angels.

Dorothy was born February 12, 1939 and had resided most of her life in Haywood County. She was blessed with a caring and giving heart and Dorothy always saw the best in everyone. Mrs. Rathbone was a wonderful cook and had been employed with Kentucky Fried Chicken in Canton and also Burger King where she was lovingly known as Granny and “The Biscuit Maker.” During the summer season, Dorothy kept busy tending her flower and vegetable gardens, growing delicious cherry tomatoes and bushels of green beans that she canned each year.  Mrs. Rathbone had attended Nineveh Baptist Church in Waynesville and she loved listening to gospel music. Dorothy’s faith was strong and she loved her Lord and Saviour. Even as our hearts are saddened by the loss of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, we shall remember the good times, be comforted by the love she gave us, and celebrate her wonderful life well-lived.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Myrtle Smith Mehaffey and Alney Mehaffey; her husband of 50 years, Frank Rathbone who passed away in 2006; her brothers, Carl Rhymer, Jr. (Olean), Paul Rhymer (Juanita) and Doug Rhymer.

Surviving are her daughters, Lynne Hall and Jimmy Hall of Waynesville, Sharon Robertson and Reverend Charles Robertson of Hodges, SC, and Teresa Rathbone of Clyde; her son, Jeff Rathbone and Brenda of Clyde; grandchildren, Suzanne, Jamie, Wendy, Heather, Matthew, Patrick, Brooke, and Amanda; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters, Doris Fisher and Robert of Waynesville, and Ruth Kinsland of Jacksonville, FL; a sister-in-law, Lana Rhymer of Rosman; and many dear friends.

The funeral service to honor the life of Mrs. Rathbone will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, August 13, 2022 in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Reverend Charles Robertson will be officiating.The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow in Crawford / Ray Memorial Gardens in Clyde.

Memorials may be made in Mrs. Rathbone’s memory to Parkinson’s Association, 2101 Sardis Road North, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28227.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to be caring for the Rathbone family.