Leah “Dorcas” Oakley

Published 3:45 pm Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Mrs. Leah “Dorcas” Lindler Oakley, age 83, a resident of 202 Fairway Drive, Country Club Estates, passed away January 17, 2021 at her home.

Dorcas was born in Kershaw, S.C. on November 3, 1937, the daughter of the late Reverend and Mrs. Francis M. Linder, Sr. 

Mrs. Oakley attended the Medical University of S.C. received an Applied Science degree in Nursing from Beaufort County Community College, then received her R.N., then received BSN degree from East Carolina University. Work history included clinical instructor in nursing at BCCC, private duty nursing, Director of Nursing at Martin General Hospital as long as health permitted. She worked at Tideland Mental Health Center as a national certified psychiatric and mental health nurse until retirement then consultant for Tiffany Health Care as long as health permitted.

Dorcas married James Ray Oakley in 1957, who survives. Other survivors include son Samuel Knox Oakley and wife, Amy of Richmond, Va.; daughter Celia Diane Oakley of Winterville, N.C.; three grandchildren, granddaughter Jordan  (Patrick) Baltes of Raleigh, NC, grandsons, Garrett (Ali) Oakley of Charlotte, NC, and Cameron (Sarah) Oakley of Daniel Island, SC; 2 great grandchildren, Knox and Lane Baltes of Raleigh, NC; sister, Demetrius Hinnant of Anderson, SC.  Her brother, F.M. Linder, Jr. preceded Dorcas in death.

The family thanks Goldenway and her caregivers, Mona Holley and Donna Murphy, for all their care.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday January 21, 2021 at Oakdale Cemetery in Washington, conducted by Dr. Robert Cayton.

In lieu of flowers, Dorcas has requested memorial contributions be made to J & J Homeless Pet Rescue, P.O. Box 1495, Washington, N.C.  27889.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington is honored to serve the Oakley family.