Mildred Viola "Millie" Dozer's Obituary
Mildred Viola “Millie” Dozer, 89, a resident of Fort Myers, Florida since 1974, formerly of Ohio, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2022 under the care of Hope Hospice. She was born May 25, 1933 in Sonora, Ohio to the late Floyd and Carrie (nee Marshall) Leasure.
Millie was valedictorian of the Adamsville (OH) High School class of 1951. After graduation, Millie moved from the family farm to Zanesville, Ohio where she began her career as a floral designer. It was while working at a florist in Zanesville, Ohio that Millie met the love of her life, Dean, a horticulturist. They married in 1959. After moves across Ohio and Indiana early in their marriage, the Dozers settled in Ft. Myers and made it their home for over 48 years. Millie’s primary focus was her family but she worked many years part time for Artistic Flowers and Ft. Myers Florist. Millie designed the wedding flowers for all three of her children. She and Dean were famous for the beautiful poinsettias they grew every Christmas and shared with family and friends.
Millie was an excellent cook and her family enjoyed many delicious scratch meals from her hands. Some of her specialties were chicken casserole, her mother’s sugar cookies, chocolate fudge, and chocolate, pumpkin, and pecan pie. Millie was an avid antiques collector and displayed many family pieces in her home. She enjoyed browsing antique stores for pink depression glass to add to her extensive collection. Millie was a talented seamstress and also enjoyed needlework and crafting.
Most importantly, Millie was a woman of faith. The church was her home and she was a dedicated member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church for 48 years. She served in many roles including Sunday school teacher, chairperson of the Administrative Board, lay leader, delegate to the Florida UMC Annual Conference, wedding coordinator, and altar guild. She completed Disciple I & II, and participated in various Bible studies. She was a member of the Joy Circle and was active in her adult Sunday school class. Perhaps her most important role was that of Stephen minister and Millie compassionately served for a number of years.
Millie is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Dean Dozer of Fort Myers, FL; three children, Elaine Cox (Jack) of Concord, NC, Bethany Randolph (Michael) of Fort Myers, FL and Alan Dozer (Elisa) of Estero, FL; as well as five adored grandchildren, Caitlin McGinnis (JP) of Washington, DC, Wesley Randolph of Ft. Myers, Michael McGinnis of Washington, DC, Peyton Randolph of Ft. Myers, and Mason Dozer of Estero. Millie was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Lillie Mae Kennison, Bernice Estadt, and Bertha Gale.
A celebration of Millie’s life will take place Saturday, October 22 at 2pm at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 4141 Deleon Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 or Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.
Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements.
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