Dorothy Royster "Dot" Wilder

MIDDLEBURG-Dorothy Royster “Dot” Wilder, 87, passed away on April 11, 2026. Born on June 19, 1938, in Vance Co., she was the daughter of the late Robert G. “Nip” Royster and Bertha Jackson Royster, and lived a life full of love for her family and friends.

A real-life social butterfly, Dot never met a stranger. She was known for her larger-than-life smile and love of laughter. She was affectionately known as “Dot-Dot” by her great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and church family.

Valedictorian of her high school class, Dot spent most of her working years with Rose’s Stores, Inc., where she was known for her dedication and warm personality. There, she formed many lasting friendships. A wonderful cook, she was especially known for her homemade cakes and biscuits, enjoyed by family and friends across four counties. Dot was an avid card player and one of the last surviving members of her bridge club, where her fellow players became some of her closest and most cherished friends.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husbands, Thomas P. Smith and William Avery Wilder; her beloved son, David Wayne Smith; her brothers, Robert J. “Jack” Royster, Sr. and John Edwin “Eddie” Royster, Sr.; her sister-in-law, Shirley H. Royster; her brother-in-law, Ted Buchanan; her nephew, Robert Jackson “Robbie” Royster, Jr.; her step-granddaughter, Avery Leah Puckett; her step-son-in-law, Fritz Kern; and her grandson-in-law, John Sakon.

Dot is survived by her son, Michael Thomas Smith and his wife, Donna; her daughter, Cindy Smith Pritchett (Steve); her daughter-in-law, Wendy Daves Smith; her sister, Linda Royster Buchanan; and her sister-in-law, Shirley Abbott Royster; her stepchildren, William Gordon Wilder (Pam); Betty Ann Dickerson (Don); Sarah Wilder Puckett (Lanny); Samuel Matthew Wilder (Latasha); Paul Avery Wilder (Teresa); and Edith Kathryn Wilder Kern; her grandchildren, Jenny Smith Reimers (Nick), Jessica Pritchett Brown, Julie Smith Berry, Eric Thomas Pritchett (Brittany), Amy Pritchett Sakon, and Rebecca Smith Cliborne (Vince); her step grandchildren, Lauren Olivia Dickerson, Matthew Stewart Dickerson (Mandy), Lindsay Wilder Riney (Blaine), Allyson Wilder Donahue (Matthew), Hannah Mitchiner Puckett, and Olivia Margaret-Ruth Wilder; 11 great-grandchildren ,John Eric, Raymond, Ellis, George, Nolan, Harper, Hudson, Caden, Cora, Bruce, Madison, and 7 step great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A special place in Dot’s life was held by her niece, Donna McDaniel, and her husband, Terry, whose loving care and devotion meant so much. Together, they provided comfort, support, and compassion, surrounding Dot with dignity and love.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kerr Lake Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, and especially to Lisa Christopher, who took special care of Dot and provided steady guidance and support to her family throughout her final year. Dot also touched the lives of the staff in a special way, and she was dearly loved by so many who cared for her.

She was a member of Middleburg Baptist Church, where a celebration of Dot’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 by Rev. Eddie Nutt. Burial will follow at Middleburg Cemetery. Immediately following the graveside service, the family will gather with friends in the fellowship hall of Middleburg Baptist Church for a visitation with light refreshments.