Obituary of Dorothy Ellen Hutchens

Dorothy Ellen Hutchens, October 6, 1928 - December 5, 2023

Dorothy Ellen Foster was born on October 6, 1928 to Uriah Vinson Foster and Mayme Ellen Wilson Foster in Georgiana, AL.  Shortly thereafter the family moved to Montgomery, AL where Dorothy (called Dot by friends and family) grew up and eventually graduated from Sidney Lanier High School.  Along the way, at the Alabama State Fair, she chanced to meet Douglas Lamar Hutchens.  He was 15 and she was 13, so his boast that he was going to marry her one day came as quite a surprise!  Just a few years later, when Doug returned from WWII, he made good on his boast and Doug and Dot were married on January 31, 1948.  Shortly thereafter Doug enrolled at Auburn University while Dot managed an insurance office to support the family, including the first of their three children, Adelia Ellen Hutchens Wardle.  Doug graduated from Auburn and - after a brief stint working with agriculture - re-enlisted in the Army as a pilot. He and Dot were to pursue this military career for the next 35 years.  Dot was the consummate Army officer’s wife, raising a family in numerous locations and often in the role of “single mom” due to Doug’s frequent deployments.  During one such deployment their second child - Richard Lamar Hutchens - was born.  A few years later while serving in Germany, Kimberly Ellen Hutchens was born and shortly thereafter was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome.  Consequently, Dot became very involved as an advocate for Kim and the entire Special Needs community.  After retiring from the military Doug and Dot settled in Atlanta, GA where Dot worked tirelessly for the mentally handicapped association, lobbying for laws benefiting their education and employment in sheltered workshops.  After almost two decades, in 1977 Doug and Dot moved to the Indian River Colony Club (IRCC).  Immediately they both began investing in their new community, Doug serving on the IRCC Board of Directors and Dot working with the Brevard Achievement Center for Kimberly’s work, and with Special Gatherings and their focus on the spiritual life of the mentally challenged.   For fun, Doug and Dot both enjoyed playing golf and participating in bridge tournaments. Shortly after moving to IRCC they joined the Faith Viera Lutheran Church, quickly getting involved in the life of the church and community.  Dot will be long remembered for her love of life, her commitment to family and her vibrant faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Dot is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Douglas Hutchens; her daughter, Kimberly Hutchens; and her two brothers, Tommy Foster and Wayne Foster.  She is survived by her daughter Adelia Wardle (husband Tom), son Richard Hutchens (wife Susan), 8 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.  Dot will be interned with Doug and Kimberly at Arlington National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers the family requests a contribution to the Special Gathering ministry. Special Gatherings, a ministry with the mentally challenged community, 20 Sutton St., Rockledge, FL. 32955.

A funeral service will be held 11:00AM, Monday, December 11, 2023 at Faith Viera Lutheran Church 5550 Faith Dr Rockledge, FL 32955.