Obituary: Dorothy “Dot” Gaskins
Dorothy “Dot” Gaskins
April 13, 1929 – May 17, 2025
Dorothy Mae “Dot” Whaley Gaskins peacefully entered into the joy of her salvation on Saturday, May 17, 2025, after a long and meaningful life filled with love, faith, and devotion to her family. Dot was born in Duplin County to the late Tobe Whaley and Prudie Adams Whaley on April 13, 1929. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, H.B. Gaskins; son, Gregory Dail; and siblings, Myrtle Heath, Henry Whaley, Orvis Whaley, Barbara Jones, and Roy Whaley.
While Dot worked alongside her husband at H.B. Gaskins Insurance, she was content in spending most of her time at home caring for the needs of her family. Always available and attentive, she was a great mom who was deeply devoted to her children. An exceptional cook, everything that came from her kitchen was excellent. Her fried chicken was beyond compare, and on family member’s birthdays, she made sure to fix their favorite dessert. It was always Dot’s banana pudding for Deborah and pineapple cake for Cliff and Greg, for no one could make them quite like Dot.
Active and social, Dot enjoyed time with her many friends in Kinston. With an outgoing personality that matched her beauty, Dot was well-loved, full of energy, and always a pleasure to be around. Loving to travel, she took many enjoyable trips with H.B.,including destinations such as Nashville and Hawaii.
A woman of great faith, Dot worshiped her Lord with her church family at Kinston First Pentecostal Holiness Church. A lover of animals, she was especially fond of dachsunds, owning three throughout her life and loving each one unconditionally. She was a woman of quiet strength and grace whose kindness touched everyone who knew her.
A service of love and remembrance will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025 by the graveside at Pinelawn Memorial Park with Pastor Bill Rose officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Dot is survived by her son, Clifton Dail and wife, Casey; daughter, Deborah Hood and husband, Melvin; and daughter-in-law, Rachel Dail. She was a devoted “Grandmama Dot” to her grandchildren, Nikki McDonald, Shannon Carlyle, Laurie Thompson, and Kieran Dail; and great-grandchildren, Madison, Paytyn, Bladen, Drew, and Kamryn. She is also survived by her sister, Irene Miller; close friend, Doug Hood; along with many special nieces, nephews, and extended family.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Mike and Lori Ingles, owners of Herritage Elite, Tonya James for her spiritual and physical care of Dot, and the entire staff at Herritage Elite for their great love and care. Your kindness, compassion, and the joy you brought to her life while she lived amongst you will never be forgotten.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Lenoir County SPCA in recognition of Dot’s great love for animals. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
