Dorothy Easterling

Dorothy Lillian (Dot) Easterling peacefully passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021, after suffering from a long illness. She was 88. Born in Hattiesburg, MS, in 1933, she was one of seven children. Dot is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, John Bennett Easterling. She is also survived by her sister Jeanette Rayner, and 3 daughters: Linda Collier, Jan Christensen and her husband Rick, and Talisa Ernstmann and her husband Mark. She had 7 grandchildren: Heather Dambly, Parker Dambly, Alexander Dambly and his wife Taylor, Harmony Collier, Angela Robinson and her husband Nathan, Tyler Ernstmann, and Kaitlyn Ernstmann, and 1 great grandchild Avery Dambly. Dot and Bennett were married in 1962, moved to Oak Ridge, TN, and ultimately ended up in Maryland in 1966. Dot will long be remembered for her love of music and service. She spent much of her time working in the children’s ministry at several different churches, including the Church of the Redeemer, which they’ve attended for the past 25 years. She loved working with the children, singing with them, teaching them songs, and teaching them how to play guitar. It wasn’t unusual in her later years to have adults greet her who still remembered her from when she taught them. She also brought the joy and peace of music to the elderly. She spent 26 years at Rockville Nursing Home as Music Coordinator and led volunteer music ministries at many nursing homes across the Maryland and DC metro area. One of her many claims to fame is having played guitar at Rockville Nursing Home with Nils Lofgren, who is a longtime member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Dot will be remembered by all of us as a loving wife, a devoted mother, a doting grandmother, and a steadfast friend. We are comforted knowing that she is resting in peace in God’s arms. The family wishes to thank all those friends who volunteered their time to help and support Dot through her final years, especially Raquel Lorenzo. Raquel was Dot’s full-time caregiver and selflessly provided so much love, support, and encouragement. She was truly a gift from God. For those who wish to remember Dot in some tangible way, the family suggests donating to Montgomery Hospice. Although Dot’s time with Hospice was short, we are thankful for the love, care, and respect they provided for Dot and for the family. Please donate online at www.montgomeryhospice.org or send a check to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD, 20850.