Dorothy Ann Gemmill King

Dorothy “Dottie” Ann Gemmill King, 78, of Marietta, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at her home, surrounded by family. She will be remembered for her warm inviting personality, cheerfulness, unwavering positivity, humor, and her contagious smile that would lift spirits and inspire joy. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dr. Fitzwilliam W. King, MD; daughter Jennifer Jenkins (former teacher) and her husband Joey; son Fitzwilliam King Jr. (airline captain) and his wife Tamara; son Craig King (musician/artist) and his wife Anneka; and five grandchildren. Born in Chambersburg, PA, Dottie was the daughter of the late Melvin Harvey and Dorothy Mayfield Gemmill and little sister of the late Melvin Gemmill. At Chambersburg High School she was on the swim team, specializing in the breast-stroke, and continued to be an avid swimmer throughout her life. She trained as a nurse at Polyclinic Hospital in Harrisburg, PA, then worked as an RN at Chambersburg Hospital and later as one of the first cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) nurses at Hershey Medical Center Hospital. She first met Fitz in the break room at Hershey Hospital, instantly making a connection. On their first date, Fitz took her flying in a Piper Cherokee 140 over picturesque Hershey, PA. They married in 1972 and moved to SC where Fitz started his medical practice and Dottie worked as a homemaker, mother, and became an active member of her church. The daughter of a rendering artist, Dottie was also methodically precise and imaginative in her creative projects, evident in her beautiful embroidery, cross-stitch, sewing, decorating, card-making, photo albums, gardening, her consistently wonderful cooking, and expressive cursive writing; she even provided the entire stitching on a Piper Cub airplane wing. After several challenging years following a pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis, she eventually succumbed, with her characteristic grace and cheerfulness. Despite her long and difficult battle, she always showed inspiring strength, optimism, and positivity, stemming from her deep Christian faith and typical of her warm, glowing spirit. Dottie devoted herself to her family and her faith. To her children and many others, she was an ideal example of character, virtue, kindness, patience, and positivity. We are most fortunate, and she will be loved and missed. Funeral Services will be held at 10 o’clock Tuesday morning, September 16th at Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC. There will be a Private Family Burial at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery. The family will be at their respective home. Memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC.

Dorothy Ann Gemmill King

July 12, 1947 - September 9, 2025