Edith Hoyle Dobbins, 93, formerly of Statesville, N.C., died peacefully on September 23, 2023, in West Chester, Ohio. She was born on January 24, 1930, the daughter of the late Julius Fortune and Bessie Melton Hoyle of Forest City, N.C.

Edith was a graduate of Cool Springs High School, Forest City (1948), Gardner-Webb Jr. College (1950), and Woman’s College (UNC – Greensboro, 1952), where she studied to become a science teacher. She was a charter member of Alpha Kappa Delta, an international honorary organization of women educators.

Edith was brilliant and dedicated her career to teaching science, beginning at Booneville High School and then at Rowland Norment Elementary School and Lumberton High School in Lumberton, N.C. She taught at Avery Sherill Elementary School and Oakwood Junior High School in Statesville, N.C., until her retirement.

In 1950, Edith married Bill H. Dobbins. They enjoyed more than 66 years of love and life together. Edith and Bill enjoyed traveling and visited 48 states and many foreign countries. They both served as volunteers with Hospice for over 30 years. After retirement, Edith and Bill enjoyed working together for the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings.

Edith was devoted to her church, Wesley Memorial United Methodist in Statesville, N.C. She worked in many areas, including the choir and clown ministry, and served as membership secretary for 46 years.
Edith and Bill also loved round and square dancing and served as officers in their local Statesville club for many years. Edith was an avid bridge player and liked few things more than to get and play a good hand.

More than anything, Edith was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She provided endless love and support and was a constant presence in their lives.

Edith was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Bill; a brother, Durham Paschal Hoyle; and her son, Dr. Gregory Dobbins. She is survived by daughters Lynne McCollum (John), and Sherry Johnson Dobbins Sanders (Scott); precious grandchildren, Amanda Dobbins Sorge (Korey), Jennifer Dobbins Franklyn (Garett), Elizabeth McCollum Williams (James), and Gregory McCollum (Sophie Wunderlich); and two great-grandchildren, Matthew Gregory Sorge and Jacob Dean Sorge.

A Memorial Service will be held on Nov 4, 1:00pm, at Wesley Memorial UMC, 825 Wesley Drive, Statesville, NC 28677.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Wesley Memorial UMC, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, or the Iredell Senior Center.