Dorothy Jean DeVilbiss McCarty

Dorothy Jean DeVilbiss McCarty, of New Orleans, Louisiana passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the age of 85. She was born July 22, 1937 in Jennings, Louisiana. She married Howard Ellis McCarty on July 12,1957. They were happily married for 49 years. Together, they moved around the country until finally settling down in the New Orleans area in 1966. She lived in their family home for 55 years. Dot (as everyone called her), while raising their four children, worked as a Preschool/Kindergarten teacher at Aurora Gardens Academy, Operator/Receptionist at Jo Ellen Smith Hospital, Administrator at F Edward Hebert Hospital and was an Avon Representative. She volunteered with many organizations including her church, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Kiwanis and Young Life. Dot always wanted to travel, so after an empty nest, Dot was able to accompany Howard on short-term work stints in Spain, England and Brazil. She was able to visit Canada, when her daughter Phyllis lived in Portland, Oregon and visit St Thomas, US Virgin Islands when her daughter Susan lived there. She also enjoyed her first Caribbean cruise, at the age of 73. Dot was a creative spirit. She enjoyed cooking, painting, and sewing of every kind. She got immeasurable happiness in sharing her talents and knowledge of these passions, as well as, teaching them to her children, grand-children, friends and others. She took great joy in making gifts for family and friends. Dot also loved to sing. Church played a central role in her life, both as a place of service and a way to express her love for the Lord through music as a faithful choir member for over 50 years. Dorothy is survived by her children Phyllis McCarty Alexander (Whitney); Howard R. McCarty (Patty), Kenneth P. McCarty (Caren) and Susan McCarty Gipson; sister Nina L. DeVilbiss, sister-in-law Jo Beth C. Doherty and beloved grandchildren Andrew Alexander (Kara), Patrick Alexander, Paige McCarty, Kylie Stein (Steve), Scott McCarty (Ali), Megan Martin (Simon), Michael McCarty (Kelsey), Jack Cannoy (Sabrina), Anthony Leche (Gabriel) and Hunter Nelson.  She was blessed with 7 great-grandchildren that include Edgerton Alexander, Cleo Stein, Ryder McCarty, Meredith & Joel Martin, Maya Leche and Atticus Nelson. She was preceded in death by her husband Howard E. McCarty, parents Herbert L. DeVilbiss and Ola Lee DeVilbiss, brothers Robert DeVilbiss (Mary) and John DeVilbiss, Paul DeVilbiss (Darlene) and grandson Brett Nelson. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 1 at 3:00 pm at Woodland Church, 5824 Berkeley Drive, New Orleans. Visitation with the family at the church from 1:30-3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, make donations to Woodland Church in honor of Dorothy McCarty. Arrangements entrusted to Mothe Funeral Home. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com.