Dorothy Mae Searles, lovingly known to her friends as "Dot," passed away peacefully on October 22, 2020, at the age of 83. As a pillar in our community, she was loved and respected by all who had the pleasure of meeting her. She was born on May 7, 1937, in Sumter, S.C. to the late Henry Mickens, Jr. and Anna Dora Mickens.

A resident of Lompoc since 1970, she worked at the Celite Corporation for 22 years from which she retired in 2004. She was a faithful member of Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years and devoted her time to the Helping Hands Committee assisting with raffle ticket sales and serving meals to the congregation.

She was well known for the beautiful smile that adorned her face as well as her sense of humor and loved to laugh as much as she enjoyed life. She was a kind, generous, and loving woman who would do anything for those she cared about. Her legacy will live forever in the hearts and minds of all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her sisters Mary Louise Jenkins and Ruth Mae Davis, both of Sumter, S.C. She is survived by her son, Brice O. Searles of Durango, CO., daughter Leah M. Searles of Santa Barbara, CA., three grandsons, Devon L. Searles and Kordell J. Searles of Juneau, AK., and Jalen T. Brantley of Santa Barbara, CA., a sister, Ruby R. Robinson of Glendale, CA., sister-in-law, Alberta Peay of Philadelphia, PA., and brother-in-law, William Jenkins of Sumter, S.C. and countless nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held on Monday, November 2 at 1pm. Family, friends, and others whose lives Dorothy has touched are invited to a memorial tribute on Saturday, November 7 at 11am at Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 201 South H St., Lompoc, CA 93436. Pastor Ronald Wiley will officiate both services.

Flowers and condolences can be offered at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary, 123 North A St., Lompoc, CA 93436.