Dorothy Berthelot Lear

October 5, 1922 – August 22, 2026

Dorothy Berthelot Lear, 103, of Hamilton, GA passed away on August 22, 2026. She was born October 5, 1922 in Maurepas, LA to the late A.M. and Louise Marie Berthelot. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Garland L. Lear Sr. and son Garland L Lear, Jr; daughter-in-law Donna; sons-in-law Henry C Norris and Jack Dawson; grandson Russell Norris; and granddaughter Shannon Lear Martin.

Left to cherish her memory are her children; Veronica Dawson, Annette Norris, Donald James Lear (Janet), Tommy Lear (Deborah), and Clair Louise Miller (Kenneth); 20 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and loving family.

Mrs. Dorothy was a founding member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Tylertown. She was an active member in her community where she served in the Walthall County Homemakers Club for over 30 years and Garden Club of Tylertown. She was instrumental in getting the Girls Scouts started in Tylertown and was a Cub Scout Den Mother for many years. She had received various awards including the Ilene Jubert Award, Lumen Christi Award, and the American Legion Award. She founded Lear Kindergarten and Nursery for 32 years.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with Rosary at 7:00 PM at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 702 Union Road, Tylertown, MS 39667 and again on Thursday, August 27, 2026 from 9:00 AM with Rosary at 9:30 AM until service time at 10:00 AM. Father Tommy Conway and Father Alwin Sammy will offer the Funeral Mass. Interment will follow at Whitehall Community Cemetery in Whitehall, LA. Pallbearers will be James Lear, David Lear, Ryan Lear, Heath Dawson, Jacques Dawson, and James Fraiser III.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and EWTN @crosscatholic.org.