Dorothy Jean Wathel-Buford (Downtown)

Affectionately known as “Grandma Peach”, “Peach”, and “Woman”, Dorothy was also known for her love and faithfulness to the Lord and for being a praying woman. Dorothy Jean Wathel Buford was the seventh child born to Virgil and Fannie Wathel in Burkesville, KY on February 18, 1935. She was married to Irbel Buford for 65 years and they reared five children. On the late afternoon of Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Indianapolis, IN, Dorothy fell asleep and was released from earthly labor to receive her crown and eternal reward. She received excellent care from her eldest daughter Roxanne, son-in-law, Ronnie, grandson, Romond, and great grandchildren Dominique, Tamiah, Tavianna and Tavi. She also enjoyed surprise visits from her baby sister, Barbara. Dorothy graduated as salutatorian from Ralph Bunche School which served Glasgow’s Black population in the era of segregation. She always stressed education and “getting that piece of paper”. In fact, it was her tradition to iron the graduation robes of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She retired from P. R. Mallory and Company, Inc. after over 30 years of service. Throughout her life, Dorothy’s love for Jesus led her into many areas of service at church. She served faithfully as an usher, choir member, church treasurer, steward, missionary, and culinary at Johnson Chapel C.M.E. Church in Glasgow for over 60 years. After the closing of Johnson Chapel, she began worshipping at Oak Grove Church and attended regularly until Covid. She then tuned in to her son’s church, Williamson Chapel C.M.E. “Always give God some of your time”, she often said. Countless lives were touched through Dorothy’s passion for baking. She lovingly shared her lemon cakes, caramel cakes, chocolate cakes, and friendship bread with family, friends, neighbors, church members, and anyone else who requested them. She also made homemade custard at Christmas. Peach’s legacy was one of unyielding love. Her kindness touched the lives of all who crossed her path. She taught her children to always lend a helping hand to others if they could. She kept the USPS in business with her letter writing, and sending holiday, and birthday cards. She often obtained addresses of people she met on trips, in the grocery store, and anywhere else along her life’s journey and remained in frequent contact with them. Dorothy’s favorite TV shows were Let’s Make a Deal, The Price Is Right, Wheel of Fortune, The Young and The Restless, Gunsmoke, and she NEVER missed the WWE on Monday and Friday nights! She always kept a Word Search book nearby and loved figuring out crossword puzzles and word jumbles. She was a member of the “Glasgow Birthday Gang” and served as treasurer and, of course, she sent out the birthday cards. At the pearly gates awaiting her will be her husband Irbel Buford, son, Lionel Buford, siblings, Fannie Allen, Alberta Carey, Douglas Wathel, Earl Wathel, Ralph Wathel, and many other cousins and friends. Those remaining earthside and responsible for continuing her legacy are her children, Roxanne Tobin (Ronnie), Rev. James Buford (Pamela), Yolanda Buford Demaree (George), and Jeff Buford, her siblings, Barbara Wathel and Jim Wathel, 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and a host of family and friends. Though she may be gone from our sight, Peach will remain in our hearts forever and be a guiding light for her family and friends. May her memory inspire all who knew her. Visitation: 10am - 12pm (CT), Friday, December 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 611 S. Lewis Street, Glasgow, KY with celebration of life to follow at 12pm. Burial will be in Barlow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that consideration be given to donations made in Dorothy’s memory to Ralph Bunche Community Foundation, P.O. Box 865, Glasgow,

Dorothy Jean Wathel-Buford (Downtown)

February 18, 1935 - December 14, 2024