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Dolores Jean “Dee” VanHattem Mullens, 88 of Burkeville, joined the saints in paradise on April 17. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of the late Richard VanHattem Sr. and Wynne VanHattem and sister of the late Cornelius “Corky” VanHattem.

She is survived by her sons, Thomas R. Farleigh (Debbie) of Amelia and Daniel L. Farleigh (Phyllis) of Burkeville; her daughter, Laura D. Glasscock (WC) of Keysville; her grandchildren, Anna, Falon, Ashley, David, Dan and Destiny; eight great-grandchildren; her brother, Richard “Dick” VanHattem Jr. (Esther); her sister, Teresa “Teri” Hutton (Bill); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

She was a charter member of (Nottoway) Blackstone Church of Christ, past President of the Blackstone Day School Patrons Association from 1978- 1979 and was a 17-year member of the Commonwealth Chorale. Dee retired after 17 years from Civil Service working first at Fort Pickett as Secretary to the Commander, and then she became the Executive Secretary to the Adjutant General of the Virginia Army National Guard from 1997-1999. During that time, she attended John Tyler College, graduating with honors.

She built Hickory Hill Retirement Community in 1998, opened its doors in 1999, and has been its dedicated and devoted Administrator until she passed away there peacefully, thanks to the wonderful care from her loving staff. She also taught Sunday school for over 30 years.

The family received friends Saturday, April 22, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Clarke Funeral Home in Kenbridge. Funeral was held 4 p.m., Sunday, April 23, at the Blackstone Church of Christ, 256 Brunswick Road, Blackstone, VA 23824. Private interment at the Hickory Hill homeplace.

“Ms. Dee” loved flowers, however any donations can be made to the Hickory Hill residents’ Activity Club 900 Cary Shop Road Burkeville, VA 23922.