Dortha "Dot" Hewitt

Dortha Lorraine Hewitt, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, on Monday, July 6, 2026 at her home, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith that touched all who knew her.

Known affectionately as “Miss Dot,” she had a warmth and welcoming spirit that made everyone feel at home. Her life was one of strength, determination, generous service, and enduring deep love for her family, and her friends.

Born and raised in Atlantic, North Carolina, “Miss Dot” carried the values of her close-knit coastal community throughout her life. She was a proud graduate of Atlantic High School, where she enjoyed playing basketball, making lifelong friendships and after graduating in 1956, she continued her education at Chowan College. It was there she met the love of her life, Thomas J. Hewitt Jr., a standout football player. The two were married in 1958 and soon made their home in Beaufort, where they built a life centered on faith, family, and community service.

“Miss Dot’s” life was a beautiful reflection of her strong Christian faith. She faithfully served her church and community for decades, as a Sunday School teacher, WMU director, choir member, and Vacation Bible School teacher and director for more than 50 years. Through these roles, she helped shape generations of children and adults, always leading with love, patience, and a servant’s heart.

Her devotion to children extended beyond the church walls. For 20 years, she worked as a teacher’s assistant in the kindergarten program at Beaufort Elementary School, where she poured her heart into every child she encountered. She had a special gift for making each child feel seen, valued, and loved, especially those who needed a little extra care. Many will remember the comfort of sitting in “Miss Dot’s” lap, where they found not only kindness, but a sense of belonging.

At the center of her life was her family. She was devoted to making every holiday and event feel over the top special, cherishing every moment she spent making extra food for that always “one more” at the dinner table and the hundreds of Bologna sandwiches made for community kids that hadn’t had a meal that day.

She is survived by her four children, Jenny Hewitt, Sandy Hewitt, (her children Staff Sergeant Christian Giacobbi, US Army Fort Lenord Wood, MO and wife Rachel Giacobbi, son Sam Giacobbi, married to Hailey Giacobbi and Great-grandson Harrison Giacobbi of New Bern). Heidi Hewitt Merkley married to Billy Merkley of Gloucester, (their children Alan Bell married to Katlyn Bell and Great-grandson Everett Bell of Mill Creek, Landon Merkley married to Camryn Merkley of Gloucester, and Tracy Merkley, married to Elise Merkley of Morehead City and Allison Willis, married to Al Willis of Bettie). Jeff Hewitt married to Tiffany Hewitt, of Pinehurst (their children Hunter Hewitt of Raleigh, and Morgan Hewitt of Pinehurst). To include many extended family members, all of whom will continue to honor her legacy by living out the love and faith she so beautifully demonstrated.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Hewitt; her mother and father, Lottie and Warden Gillikin; two brothers, James Gillikin and Frank Gillikin; and sister, Katie Dixon.

Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A celebration of her life and Home Going will be held at First Freewill Baptist Church of Beaufort Thursday, July 9th visitation at 1:00pm and service 2:00pm. Burial will following at Carteret Memorial Gardens where family and friends will gather to remember the beautiful life she lived.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:  Family Promise of Carteret County, 1500 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC  28557.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.