Hopewell News

Dorothy Louise Karnes Sordelett
Dorothy Louise Karnes Sordelett, 91, of Hopewell, widow of James Edward Sordelett Sr. passed away on Saturday Sept. 12, 2009. She was born July 2, 1918 in Hopewell and was the daughter of the late Ulric Arley (U.A.) Karnes and Alma Clark Karnes. Her brother James A Karnes also preceded her in death. She was a proud graduate of Hopewell High School’s class of 1936, after which she worked at the candy counter at Woolworth’s for four years. In 1940, she was called to work at Hercules as a secretary in the Laboratory Office. She and Jimmy Sordelett were married Sept. 8, 1942 while he was in the service. Jimmy later passed away on Oct. 7, 1998.
Dorothy retired from the Hopewell City Schools in 1983 after almost 25 years of service as an office secretary at the high school and the School Board Office. She was a member of First Baptist Church since 1932, where she taught Sunday school, was active in the Womens’s Missionary Society, and served over time on most every committee.
Dorothy is survived by sons, James Edward Sordelett Jr. and Allan Karnes Sordelett; daughter, Martha Louise Sordelet; sister, Helen K. Foley; brother, D. Paul Karnes; grandchildren, Damien Allan and Kara Michelle Sordelett. Other survivors include a number of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters in laws.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, 2009 at the Nelsen Funeral Home 214 N. 6th Ave., Hopewell, Va. 23860. A service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday Sept. 15, 2009 at First Baptist Church 401 N. 2nd Ave. Hopewell, Va. 23860, interment to follow Appomattox Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Hospice of Virginia 7231 Forest Ave., Suite 100, Richmond, Va. 23226, or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be registered at www.nelsencares.com