A Life Story

Dorothy Irene Wilharm Zipperer, 95, passed away on Friday, August 7, 2026. She was born June 23, 1931, in Savannah, Georgia, to the late Joseph Henry Wilharm, Sr., and Gladys Irene Anderson Wilharm. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 64 years, Bobby L. Zipperer; her parents; and her siblings, Betty Greenwood, Rosemary Atkinson, Joseph Wilharm, Jr., and Roberta “Bobbie” Wilharm Earle. Dorothy was a founding member of Bible Lutheran Church, where her faith and church family were an important part of her life. She was also a devoted member of the Bible Lutheran Church Quilters, sharing her time and talents through many years of quilting, service, and fellowship. In the early 1960s, Dorothy enjoyed playing in the church softball league, another special part of her many years of involvement and fellowship within the church community. Dorothy began her career with Gulfstream on February 5, 1967, and retired on February 12, 1988, after more than 20 years of dedicated service. Dorothy and Bobby built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, and the many memories they made together. Family was especially important to Dorothy, and she treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends. She was a loving wife, a wonderful mother, and a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was one of her greatest joys, and the love she gave so freely will continue to be felt for generations. Dorothy loved to crochet and took special care to make handmade gifts for both current and future generations of her family. She wanted to ensure they would have something handmade, with love by her for them. Those gifts will be treasured not only by current, but also by future generations for the love she stitched into each one, and the thought she gave to family members she might never have the opportunity to meet. She also loved being outdoors and working in her yard and vegetable garden. Even in her later years, she would much rather have been outside tending her vegetables, fruit trees, flowers, and yard than inside cleaning her house. Although somehow, her home was always clean and tidy, with everything in its place. That was simply Ms. Dot. Camping was also a treasured part of Dorothy’s life. For more than 60 years, she enjoyed camping at Elijah Clark State Park, where she and Bobby made countless memories with their family and friends. Those years at Clarks Hill Lake became an important part of their family’s story, filled with time together, friendship, laughter, and traditions that will continue to be cherished. Ms. Dot was a great mother. A great mother never dies because she will continue to live through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many people with whom she shared her wonderful, sweet self. Those words beautifully capture the legacy Dorothy leaves behind. Her sweet spirit, the lessons she taught, the memories she created, the things she made with her own hands, and the love she gave will live on through all those fortunate enough to have known and loved her. She is loved and will be deeply missed by many. Survivors include her children, Janis (Nickey) Bevill, Alan (Elise) Zipperer, and Kathy (Carroll) Zittrouer; grandchildren, Jamie (Sarah) Bevill, Melissa (Linny) Stone, Jeremy (Lindsey) Zittrouer, Devin (Rebekah) Zipperer, and Macy Zittrouer; great-grandchildren, Kaden, Kyler, and Kinsey Stone, Harrison, Claire and Harper Zittrouer, Haven and Baylor Zipperer; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, family members, doctors, nurses, and caregivers who lovingly cared for Dorothy. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. at Bible Lutheran Church. Funeral services will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery beside her beloved husband, Bobby. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bible Lutheran Church or Bible Lutheran Church Quilters, both are located at 812 Blue Jay Rd., Rincon, GA 31326. Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421