Dorothy “Dot” Crabb Heald passed away on Nov. 9, 2022 at the age of 95. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was of the Episcopal faith since birth and had an unwavering belief in God. Born on April 9, 1927, as a third generation Floridian, she was well connected to her roots and community in Yalaha. She was predeceased by her father Robert Rowland Crabb and Minnie Pantley Crabb.
Her stories of early days in Yalaha were passed on to family members. She recalled riding her horses with friends through beautiful woods and orange groves surrounded by freshwater springs and lakes, sometimes finding arrowheads along the lakeshore and panther tracks in the sand. One of her favorite memories was walking through her father’s field of Gladiolas along Lake Harris.
Dorothy graduated from Leesburg High School where she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. She went on to study at the College of William & Mary in Virginia and Brenau College in GA. She also attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland where she played number one on the tennis team.
Where Dorothy excelled most was growing beautiful plants and flowers. Even though she was a Master Gardener, she was a true naturalist who needed no formal training. There were always fresh flowers in her home and a garden outside. She also enjoyed working at the Lake County Agriculture Extension Center for 28 years where she met many friends and growers.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Dr. Lucile Heald-Oldham, her son Mark Heald, Grandson Gordon G. Oldham IV (Kristen), and Great Grandchildren, Olivia, Emerson, and Graham. In keeping with her wishes, she will be interred in the Yalaha Cemetery on Nov. 27, 2022 at 2 pm in a graveside service with close family and friends present. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the National Audubon Society at https://act.audobon.org