Tributes paid to popular Yapton woman

She spent a lifetime helping others and was prominent in the village organising many events. She founded the Friendship Club 20 years ago and was especially interested in sport in the village where she played stoolball and was the mainstay of Bilsham United Football Club.

The team consisted of her six sons, three brothers in law, her husband Den was secretary/trainer and she washed the shirts.

Born near Bishops Stortford, her maiden name was Gearing. Employed as a nanny, she came to Elmer on holiday with her employer's family, met a local lad and remained in the area ever since.

Her husband Den died in 1981. In 1977 Dot and Den won 'The Yapton Flitch' being nominated as the happiest couple in the village.

Her descendants totalled 67, with six sons and three daughters being the most prominent.

During the service, eulogies were read by sons Allen and Les, who told many anecdotes of Dot's life and grand-daughter Sara sang 'Wind Beneath my Wings'.

Dot was a long-time member of the Village Hall Management Committee.

Her service began as far back as the early 1970s when she was a leading member of the fund raising committee. She will be sadly missed.