Dorothy Lea Bledsoe

Dorothy Lea Bledsoe passed on 25 November 2017 in Malvern Ark. She was born on 18 July 1920 in Manning, Arkansas to Steve C. Lea and Mina Holliman Lea. She is survived by Barbara Bledsoe Norman (Billy & Billy Wayne) and Ronnie Bledsoe (Carol)); seven grandchildren, Leah, Billy Wayne, Brad, Tracey, Renee, Shannon and Wendy; seven great-grandchildren, McKenna, Mitchell, Josiah, Malia, Kaylee, Maya and Brooke; two great-great-grandchildren, Jubilee and Elias; two brothers, Jim Lea (Carol) and Marvin Lea (Karen); 19 nieces and nephews and many great and great-great-nieces and nephews. She was a lifelong Christian with her last membership at Calvary Baptist Church of Malvern. Her early life was spent in Manning and Sparkman. She married Dewey Bledsoe (1917-1987) on Sept. 10, 1939 in Dalark, Ark. Moving to California in 1950 to raise her children and work in several industries until the mid 60's. She returned to her roots in 2003 renewing many of her earlier life acquaintances while living with her daughter and son-in-law. In 2013, she moved to the Crossing Assisted living where she established many new friendships. Thank you to Amanda, Heather, Jessie, Megan, Debbie, Jennifer, the Crossing staff, Kendricks Hospice, special friends Mary and Mrs. Wheat. Her life was a beacon of love, friendship and fellowship. She will be sorely missed BUT never forgotten. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 2nd at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Burial will be at DeLamar Cemetery near Manning. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Online register available at www.ruggleswilcox.com.