Dorothy Lee Ledbetter was born on March 18, 1934, in Bald Hill, Oklahoma, from the loving union of Ruben Payne and Jessie May Smith.

Dorothy was a woman of deep faith, serving as a deaconess in her church, Berean Seventh-day Adventist, where she found joy in helping with communion and working in the kitchen. She often reflected on her life with gratitude, acknowledging that God had guided her through many challenges.

Her love for gardening was a testament to her nurturing spirit, as she shared the fruits of her labor with others. Dorothy found peace and happiness in her garden, surrounded by the beauty of her plants and flowers.

Fishing was a cherished pastime she enjoyed alongside her husband, teaching all of their 11 children and grandchildren to appreciate the simple pleasure of a day by the water. Dorothy's home was a haven of warmth and love, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas, when her cooking brought family and friends together. Her fried chicken and peach cobbler were legendary, each bite infused with love and care. Dorothy's heart was always open, caring for her grandchildren and tending to the sick with an unwavering compassion.

Her talent for sewing was evident in the heavy quilts she lovingly crafted for her children. Her generosity extended beyond her family, as she raised chickens and shared eggs with those around her. A devoted mother and grandmother, Dorothy's love for her family and friends was evident in everything she did. Today, we gather to celebrate her life and the profound impact she had on those who knew her. Her spirit lives on in our hearts, and her love continues to guide us.

Her journey through life was shared with her beloved husband, Albert Z. Ledbetter of Muskogee, Oklahoma, who preceded her in death in 1994. Together, they were blessed with the joy of raising 11 children. Dorothy's legacy continues through her children: Doris Terrell (Herbert) of Muskogee, OK, Albert Z (Lindar) Ledbetter Jr. of Tulsa, OK, Tony Ledbetter, Janet (Richard) Motte of Forney, TX, Earl (Linda) Ledbetter of Spiro, OK, Christopher (Monica) Ledbetter of Irvine, TX, Georgia (Nathan) Pierce of Muskogee, OK, Paul Ledbetter of Tulsa, OK, Elaine Ledbetter of Forney, TX, Wanda Logan of Muskogee, Ok, and Marvin (Lucy) Ledbetter of Muskogee, OK. She also leaves behind 26 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren, as well as her cherished surviving siblings, Roscoe Baldwin, Joe Edward Peters, and Jessie May Peters

Mrs. Dorothy Lee Ledbetter, in her 91st year of life, peacefully left this life for Life Eternal on Monday morning, January 5, 2026, with her loving family by her side.

The Celebratory Service honoring Mother Ledbetter's life will commence on Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the most holy sanctuary of Timothy Baptist Church. Pastor Bryan Bunch, Pastor of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Roland, Oklahoma, will officiate.

The Christian committal and burial will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Muskogee.

You may visit Mother Ledbetter, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., on Friday, January 16, 2026, between the hours of 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

You may order flowers: (918)687-7574 lakelandflorist.com