Dorothy Irene Knight Stapleton

Dorothy Stapleton of Apoka, FL, passed away on 1 May 2021 at the age of 89 years.

Born in Sanford, FL, on 17 January 1932 to Austin O. and Margarette (Butner) Knight, she grew up on a farm in nearby Wagner. In the 1940's, the family moved back to Sanford where she attended public schools and graduated from Seminole High School in 1950, having been on the Honor Roll throughout her 12 years of school.

Following graduation, she began a career in bookkeeping and worked at a number of Sanford area businesses and institutions, including the Florida State Bank, Furniture Center, Wilkins Paving, and the Seminole County School Board. In 1990, at the age of 58, she enrolled as a freshman at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA, fulfilling a lifetime dream. After completing the semester, she took a position in the Admissions Office.

A member of the Moravian Church, she had a deep faith and sense of commitment. She served on church boards and committees, taught Sunday School, was a youth advisor, camp counselor, and delegate to the Provincial Synod.

She was devoted to her family, generous to a fault, and endeared herself to everyone she met. Having a wide variety of skills and talents, she wrote poetry, was a stained glass artist, and enjoyed gardening - especially pulling weeds! And she loved the beach and all things related to the ocean and seashore.

She is survived by her son, Thom Stapleton; granddaughter, Rachael Linden; son-in-law, Jim Nelson; grandson, James Nelson; granddaughter, Darcy Nelson; sister-in-law, Sherry Knight; nieces, Donalyn Knight and Gina Knight; and nephew, Greg Knight. Her brothers, Donald and Herby Knight, and daughter Cecilia Nelson preceded her in death.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to your favorite charity or consider a donation to Cornerstone Hospice.