Dot Vinson East

Amory - Dorothy Maie “Dot” East, 76, passed away peacefully at home on January 30, 2016. Born on February 7, 1939, in Grenada, she was a daughter of the late Annie Maie Devine and Ernest Leon Vinson.

Growing up in Vaiden, MS, Dot moved to Madison and later to Jackson. While in eighth grade, she was a starter for Madison High School girls’ varsity basketball team. Graduating from Central High in 1956, Dot worked as a secretary in Jackson, where she met and fell in love with her husband, Van. On February 18, 1962, they were married in Jackson. Making their home in Amory in 1968, Van and Dot opened East Drugs, where Dot operated a Viviane Woodard cosmetic business. During that time, she won several awards, including Outstanding Jaycette, Mississippi Amblin Award, and Outstanding Businesswoman Award in 1974. Two years later, she served as Chairman of the Board for Viviane Woodard Corporation. Later in life, Dot worked as an administrative assistant at Northeast Mississippi Medical Center.

She was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Amory. As a community volunteer, Dot served on the executive board of the Pushmataha Council of the Boy Scouts of America; acted as president of the Monroe County Crusade for the American Cancer Society; was active with the Mississippi Fashion Women’s organization; and was a member of the Century Club. Appointed by Gov. Fordice, Dot served as a commissioner on the Mississippi Arts Commission. A loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, she enjoyed talking on the telephone, knitting, and bowling. Her dazzling outer beauty was only surpassed by her inner beauty.

She is survived by her husband, best friend, and soulmate of 53 years, Van Philip East, Jr., Amory; son, Van Philip East, III, (Cathy), Brentwood, TN; six grandchildren, Van East, IV, Kingsley East, Alexandra Aulds, Michael Aulds, Abby Aulds, and Elisabeth East; son-in-law, Mike Aulds, Archer City, TX; daughter-in-law, Kara East, Wichita Falls, TX; and sister-in-law, Melba Vinson, Poulsbo, WA; special friend and caregiver, Anne Stewart.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Lou Anne “Pebbles” Aulds; son, William Alan East; brothers, Ernest Vinson and James Vinson (Irene).

Her Funeral Service will be held at 10 AM, Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at First United Methodist Church, Amory, with Dr. Allen Simpson officiating. Her Graveside Service will be at 12:30 PM, Wednesday, in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Oxford. Pallbearers will be Steve Stockton, Jim Mathis, Bob Jones, Earl Stevens, George Clark, Thomas Stafford, and James Crouch.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Tuesday, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory. She will lie-in-state at the church from 9 AM until the service hour.

Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church, PO Box 540, Amory, MS 38821.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.