We are sad to announce the passing of Dorothy Wylene Peck (“Bateman”) on May 16, 2023, at her home in Santa Rose Beach, Florida.

Wylene was born on May 18, 1938, in Oconee County, Georgia. Wylene was a very smart, young lady, skipping a grade in school as well as going a half day and working for a former commissioner of Birmingham at the age of sixteen. At times, she took on two or three jobs to support her three children whom she loved dearly. She often solved television game shows in a record amount of time, even quicker than the contestants. Crossword puzzles were a game to her. Wylene was a huge fan of the University of Tennessee's football team. GO VOLS!

Wylene was very musically and artistically inclined. She co-wrote a song with her sister, Margie, “This White Circle On My Finger” recorded by the popular singer, Kitty Wells. The song was released in December 1962, and it won several awards. Wylene would often play instruments and sing with family and friends. It was very entertaining.

Throughout her life, Wylene blessed her family and friends with her beautiful handwritten letters and artistic cards. She would often draw a music staff on the envelope and decorate the inside of the card. She loved artwork and design.

Wylene’s greatest love was God and His breathtaking creation. She enjoyed nature, having plants and flowers surrounding her. She liked to camp, spend time with others in majestic areas and going on short road trips to waterfalls and other outdoor events.

Wylene regularly attended her children’s, grandchildren, and great grandchildren’s outdoor events. At the different events, she would often pass out meaningful and thoughtful items like treats, comic books, collector cards, and Hot Wheels. She loved her family deeply and spent time getting to know each of them so she could make every moment count. Wylene always had an “open-door” policy to family and friends. She thought of her friends as being a part of her family.

Wylene will be greatly missed, as well as her cherished family gatherings; especially her famous family Mexican meals.

Wylene is survived by her beloved partner of forty-three years, Jerome “Jerry” Bateman; her daughter, Kimberly (Kim) Hutchison (Joe); her grandchildren, Rachel Morrison (Chris), David Pickett (Jessica), Alycia Massey(Garrett), and Joseph Bartek (Bethany); great grandchildren, Nicholas (Nick) Morrison, Alexander (Alex) Massey, Emmalyn "Emmy" Massey, Jackson (Jack) Morrison, Cooper Morrison, Skylynn Pickett, and Asher Pickett; and nieces, Suzanne and Betty.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marjorie and Jacob "Wiley"; daughter, Lynda Jeanne Lewis Bartek; and son, Harold (Buddy) Maurice Lewis, Jr.; sister, Marjorie (Margie) Peck; and brother, Alford Cramer.

A Celebration of Wylene's life will be held Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. at Davis-Watkins Funeral Home Chapel located at 113 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32547.