Dot Wise

Dorothy Simpson Wise, 97, of 131 Ridgewood Circle, widow of William Ramage Wise, passed away Friday, June 26, 2015 at her home. Born December 24, 1917, in Clinton, she was a daughter to the late Fannie Bobo Simpson and Joseph Horace Simpson. She grew up in Whitmire where she enjoyed an active life in community, church and school. Dot chose Erskine College to further her education where she was active in all aspects of campus life. She graduated in the Centennial Class in 1939 with a B.S. degree in Home Economics and pursued her graduate work in counseling at Clemson, USC and Western Carolina College. Dot began her teaching career in Anderson, South Carolina, teaching Home Economics. She married her true love Bill Wise in 1940. Following the birth of their four children, she went back to work teaching biology at Greenwood High School. In 1962, she took the position of Guidance Counselor at the high school where she remained until 1973. From 1973-1974, she was coordinator of Student Activities; during this time she also created and taught Home Economics for boys. In 2002, she received Erskine Alumni Associations highest honor- The Erskine College Alumni Distinguished Service Award. In 1974, she and Bill moved to Andros Island, Bahamas for two years. Their next adventure was in Cherokee, North Carolina where they lived for several years. After moving back to Greenwood, she stayed busy with her many hobbies, which included cooking, sewing, weaving, knitting and making "scrubbies " to give out to everyone who visited. She also smocked gowns for Self Regional's premature babies. Her homemade fudge was legendary among her Erskine friends and doctors offices. You could find her every morning at the kitchen table with her coffee and crossword puzzles. Through her years in Greenwood, she has belonged to Greenwood Garden Club, Greenwood Women's Club, AAUW, Philea Study Club (charter member) president 54-56, 91- 93, DAR, and the Greenwood Museum. You could find her attending Greenwood Community Theater and Live After Five with her son, Rauch. Dot was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She was a Lutheran for over 73 years, holding many positions in the church: among them was communion assistant, Lector, member of hand bell choir, kitchen committee, where she was always asked to prepare her famous BBQ. She was a member of the Margaret Kinard Circle and past president of Women of the ELCA ( WELCA,1992). Dot's door was always open and she welcomed everyone with southern graciousness, all who entered her home on Ridgewood Circle. Her home has always been a gathering spot for her family and friends. She was preceded in death by two grandsons, Todd Lynch and Matt Turner and a brother, Joe Simpson. She is survived by her children: Jene Wise Klopp (Ben), Georgetown, SC; Clarence Rauch Wise, Greenwood, SC; William Ramage Wise, Jr. (Alyce), Atlanta, GA; Susan Wise Turner, Jackson, SC; a sister, Rebecca Stradley, of Asheville, NC; her grandchildren, Leisa Hotchkiss (Richard), Greenwood, SC; Jeremey Davis Greenville, SC; Ross Wise (Christina), Athens, GA; Brett Wise (Maggie), Atlanta, GA; Hunter Turner (Becca), Pineville, LA; great grand children: Caden, Gracen and Gannon Davis; Taylor, Allen and Briana Wise; and Blake Turner; a godson, Thomas Gilbert; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be her grandsons and her nephews. Memorials may be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 501 East Creswell Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to Erskine College, PO Box 338 Due West, SC 29639. The family is at the home. '

Dot Wise

December 24, 1917 - June 26, 2015

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