Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home, Inc. | Quitman, GA

Obituary For Selma Dorothy Straughter

Tribute to a Queen Mother

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” II Timothy 4:7 (NLT)

Selma Dorothy Straughter, “Dot,” left this earthly realm on May 22, 2021, after a long battle with lung cancer. It would be wrong to say that Selma lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. When anyone else would have broken, Selma stayed strong. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly looks like. there was no quit in Selma. Just because she is no longer here, it doesn’t mean she lost her fight. Truly she won the battle.

Selma Dorothy Straughter was born on March 17, 1949, in Jennings, FL, to the late Sadie Mae Mobley and the late Lonnie Gandues. At an early age, she confessed Christ and joined St. James Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend T.J. Haynes. She was a devoted member serving on many auxiliaries faithfully until her health failed. She loved her church and singing was a passion of hers, as she was a proud member of the Haynes Gospel Choir. She was employed by Greenleaf Behavioral Health Hospital for over 24 years as the supervisor of Environmental Services. She was a stern supervisor, but her love was visibly seen and felt by her employees. Selma was a friendly, outgoing person who never met a stranger. She had a kind, compassionate, and benevolent heart toward her fellow man and served family and friends with gladness according to God’s will and purpose. Her testament of faith was mostly played out in devotion and affection as a mother to her children, living the wisdom of the word, and holding them accountable to its application in their living. She encouraged them to model her example as she ardently worked to depict a righteous lifestyle. She was “a woman of excellence” who worked diligently with her hands to provide for her family’s needs. She was a stellar homemaker. She propelled her girls to pursue excellence and to “shoot for the stars.” Selma was proud to see her girls’ plans mature into achieved goals. Selma’s signature name means Helmet of God, safe, and peaceful. Selma translated the signature interpretation of her name into her living. She embraced God by living under the helmet of his protective custody. He was her lifelong safety net; she embraced and abided in the counsel of God’s word.

She leaves to cherish her memories: dedicated and supportive daughters, Dr. Angela S. Straughter-Thomas of Valdosta, GA, Sergeant Major Sadie K. Straughter-Cabell (Darnell) of Dumfries, VA, and Mary A. James of Valdosta, GA; grandchildren, Christopher A. Baker, Shynice T. Baker, and Tia S. Cabell; one loving and affectionate fur grandson, BoDee; great-grandchildren, Ch’Ress S. Baker, Eden J. Baker, and Elise L. Dennis, all of Valdosta, GA; brothers, Jeff (Alice) Williams and Joseph (Helen) Brister, all of Gainesville, FL, Johnny Brister of Atlanta, GA, Owen Gainous, Hershel (Veronica) Rolax, and Terry Gainous, all of Quincy, FL; sisters, Sallie L. Williams and Ida M. Brister, of Valdosta, GA, and Gwen Wilson of Quincy, FL; sisters-in-law, Louvenia (Johnny) Straughter and Beatrice Straughter, all of Valdosta, GA; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends; a special, loving aunt, Katherine Ganious of Columbia, SC; a devoted niece, Pastor Shirley Straughter of Valdosta, GA; a very special thanks to Carolyn Hill for taking care of our precious jewel; and faithful and supportive friends, Ree Howard, Minnie McCaskill, Sam Napier, Michelle Holmes, Gwen and Charles Whitehead, and Pastor Sherri Murphy.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her special long-life friend and ex-husband of 24 years of marriage, Mr. Wille C. Straughter, the father of her three daughters; brother, Lonnie Gandues; sister, Mae L. Brister; and aunt, Irine StraughterSelma will always be remembered by her girls as a mother who was “in front of them to cheer them, behind them to have their backs and next to them (with God as her companion) to know that they were never walking alone.”Amen to a beautiful life we will share forever as loved in our hearts! May she rest well in “the Valley of God’s Peace.

”Submitted in Love, Selma’s three Heartbeats, Angie, Sadie K. & Ann.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 3PM at Joyful Sound Ministry with Dr. Julia Berry, officiating. Burial will follow in Sasser Landing Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Stevens-McGhee Chapel from 3PM-7PM on Friday, May 28, 2021.

Continue to keep the family in your daily thoughts and prayers.

Guest Book

Sadie K. and Family. Please know that my heart goes out to each and everyone of you. I have never met Ms. Straughter but I felt like I knew her through Sadie. God knows what he is doing and I know its hard but he will never forsake you. Keep being the loving Queen that your mom raised you to be. Love always, Trena

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Earth has no sorrow, that Heaven can not heal. Angie,Wanda,and Ann, you are what made your mother complete. She loved and cared for you like the Queen that she was. You can find comfort on knowing that God makes no mistakes, He gave her to you for a reason,to nurture and develop into the beautiful young ladies you are today. Dot was spirited, strong willed, smart and determined. She's made full circle journey, and is now resting with the Lord. Take care of yourself and each other, like she took care of you. It may seem hard right now, and it is, but God's got you. You'll be just fine. Auntie-in love Mega

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I will never forget my cousin who shared great times together with me and my mother ( her Aunt Daisy Zanders) on the fish creek. These memories will always be cherished! God of all comfort, please be near the family today. Let your strong presence be felt now and in the coming days!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️Love my cousin Dot!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

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To Angie and family you have my deepest sympathy during your time of loss. Thank you for sharing me with your Mother. You came into my life when I needed you most and I'm thankful. She welcomed me right from the start. I loved her energy always cheerful. Yes she is a Queen and you will forever be her Princess. You did a wonderful job in keeping her comfortable. I saw and know how happy she was with you there. You and your sister stay connected as you do and know she is smiling and proud. I love you sis. Charlotte

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Sending my love to my cousins. Truly this hurts me but I know you all are hurting most. I pray that God send peace to cover your broken hearts. I love you all and I love Aunt Dot and I know she loved me. Cousin Regina Edwards

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Dot and I go way back we were close friends as well as cuz Dot is going to be missing she were a nice person with a sweet spirit, RIP my Cuz.❤️😭

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I will always remember Dot for the strong woman that she was and the good food that she cooked for her family and the extra ones like me waiting around to eat with them. RIP cuz. Your cousin Sandra Mobley

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Dot and I worked together for a brief time at Levi-Strauss. She taught me so much as I was learning the job. Then we traced the fact that we were distance cousins through her husband (Doug as she called him). Through the years, we sort of lost contact, however, I will always remember her sweet spirit. Rest in paradise Dot. You have won the battle.....Barbara J. Carter

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Angie & Sadie my deepest condolences to you and the entire family. I know how close you were to your Mom and I will continue to keep you two in my prayers. With God as your help you will make it thru this valley as you know your Mom would want. I love you and I'm her for you anytime day or night.

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I will forever remember the bond shared with Miss Dot during our shot time together. She had a strong spirit ad many words of wisdom. She was a hard fighting soldier eight he courage to live and love her fellowman.She had a strong faith in God that kept her by His grace as through His mercy to fight until her deliverance back to Him! God less her eternal rest in Him... Jackie Crawford

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home, Inc. | Quitman, GA