Dorothy “Dot” Gray Poortinga, 89, of Atlanta, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021.
Mrs. Poortinga had recently moved from her native home of Kentucky to be closer to her daughter. She was also a former long-time resident of Slater, Iowa, where she made many friends and often spoke of the good relationships, recipes and talents shared among the close-knit community. While in Slater, she was involved with the local Methodist church, an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and a life-time member and former worthy matron of the Polk City Eastern Star.
She never met a stranger and was always quick to provide an antidote or a coined saying that brought smiles to many. If you knew her, there are possibly a few you can quote and some you still don’t understand. While time allowed, she was a diligent letter writer and made it her goal to send someone a letter every day. She enjoyed performing and did several skits which included her imitating “Mini the Pearl” from Hee Haw, a short story about how golf was a four-letter word and so many others.
When returning to Kentucky, Mrs. Poortinga was active in the community theater and was most proud of her role as one of the Baldwin sisters in the “Walton’s Homecoming.” She was an avid baker and candy maker, and people looked forward to her box of treats every Christmas.
She is survived by her son, John (Monica) Poortinga, Hawaii; her daughter, Cindy Poortinga, Atlanta; grandchildren, JoAnna (Mickey) Scott, Ashley (Ron) Lookingbill and Theresa (Eric) Edwards. She also leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews, great-grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews. Mrs. Poortinga was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Russell Hartley; and her brother, Harry (Eva) Tingle
Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna, Georgia was in charge of arrangements, www.carmichaelcares.com.