Dorothy J. Cloud

Dorothy Jean Cloud passed away at her home in Niceville, Florida on July 1, 2025, at the age of 100 with family at her side. She was born on June 3, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska to Mildred and Walter Anderson. Dorothy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved her family and was an adventurer at heart.

Dorothy’s adventures began in her early 20s, during the later years of World War II, when she moved by herself halfway across the country from St. Louis to Washington, D.C. In support of the war effort, she accepted a job as a secretary working for the U.S. government. It was during these years of shared meals at a boarding house, that she met and married the love of her life, Paul. She would often quip, “they lived together before it was popular”. They were married in St. Louis and returned to Washington, D.C. to begin their married life. In the early 50s, Paul’s job required him to relocate to Dallas, Texas. In the early 60s, they returned to the D.C. area once again and lived in Vienna, Virginia where they lived until 2013 when they moved to Florida to be nearer to family.

Dorothy and Paul spent their retirement years traveling the world but their favorite place to go was where their family was. Her family affectionately called her G-Dot. G-Dot’s adventurers took her all over the globe. No walk was too far and no hill was too tall for her to say, “Let’s Go!” From Hawaii to Germany and Canada to South America. G-Dot and Paul traveled thousands of miles going to births, baptisms, graduations, weddings, recitals, and church services. Not to mention all major holidays. It was clear that family was a priority in her life. We will miss our adventurer, G-Dot. 

Dorothy is survived by her husband of 77 years, Paul; Her daughters Sandra Schlechter (Alvin) of Niceville, Florida and Debra Beaty (John) of Indialantic, Florida. Her grandchildren; Lee Anne Privette, Brian Schlechter, Jack Schlechter, Joshua Beaty, and Shannon Beaty. Dorothy is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren and her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Walter Anderson, and her brothers, Robert and Norman Anderson.

The family would like to thank Synergy Home Care and Emerald Coast Hospice for all the care that they have provided during G-Dot’s last months.

Her Celebration of Life will be held on July 28th at 10:00 a.m. at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home. She will be buried at Barrancas National Cemetery at a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Disabled American Veterans.

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