Doris Hamrick Dedmon, 85, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024 in her Shelby, NC home after a year-long battle with cancer.

Her legacy of service, kindness, and dedication will be fondly remembered by her family, friends, and community.

The family will receive friends 4:00-6:00 pm Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home in Fallston, NC. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Shelby, NC. followed by burial in the church cemetery.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents Maynard and Madge Hamrick, brothers Charles Hamrick, Larry Hamrick, Dale Hamrick, and twin brother Noris Hamrick. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Charles Dedmon of Shelby, NC; daughter Lisa Austin of Waxhaw, NC (son-in-law John Austin, granddaughter Madeline Kiger); daughter Lora Dedmon of Shelby, NC; daughter Lynda Dedmon of Hawthorne, CA; daughter Lenita Griffin of Carolina Beach, NC (grandson John Daniel Griffin, granddaughter Lauren Griffin); sister Carolyn Greene; and brother Herschel Hamrick.

Doris was born in Cleveland County on July 27, 1939. In her teenage years, she met the love of her life, Charles Dedmon. Through a bit of clever maneuvering, Charles used his friendship with her brother-in-law, Bob Greene, to get an introduction to her. Their connection blossomed, and after Charles returned from his U.S. Army tour in Germany, they married and enjoyed 62 wonderful years together.

Doris was a vibrant, energetic soul who embraced life with enthusiasm and purpose.

She was a devoted wife and mother and she cherished her role as a homemaker, giving her daughters the gift of culture and travel.

Together the family visited different states each year for trucking conventions and family vacations.

Doris and Charles taught their four daughters how to work hard and play hard, enjoying the benefits of both. They valued family gatherings for birthdays and holidays, celebrations of each other's accomplishments, ski trips and family time at the beach. Family was the foundation of who she was and who she became to others through her service.

Her compassion and care for others extended outside of the home as well, as she felt a strong calling to pursue a career in nursing. In 1979, she became a registered nurse, graduating from nursing school at

Gardner-Webb University at the top of her class. At age 55, she returned to school for a BSN so she could teach.

Doris quickly became a trusted figure in the community, known as a nurse one could rely on in times of illness or need. In 1985, alongside Linda Fern and Evelyn West, she co-founded Hospice of Cleveland County. Doris often described her work with Hospice as the most rewarding experience of her career, serving countless families with compassion and dedication. In the latter years of her career, Doris also found great fulfillment in teaching at Cleveland Community College, sharing her knowledge and inspiring the next generation of nurses and certified nursing assistants.

Driven by her deep passion for supporting those affected by cancer, she helped establish Relay for Life of Cleveland County almost 30 years ago. Doris became a successful fundraiser for this cause, securing both corporate and individual donations on an annual basis. Her dedication was recognized in 2010 when she received the Spirit of Relay Award, and in 2017, she was named Distinguished Woman of the Year for her invaluable contributions to Cleveland County through her work with Hospice and Relay for Life.

Doris had a deep faith in God and was an active and devoted member of Elizabeth Baptist Church, where she volunteered on various committees. She served as Committee Chair for the church's Relay for Life Team for over 28 years.

Above all, Doris was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her cherished grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Nana."

Doris wanted what was best for her family, her church and her community.

Her memory will be cherished by all.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Relay for Life of Cleveland County, NC or Elizabeth Baptist Church, 301 N. Post Road, Shelby, NC 28152.