Dorothy E. Farrare

Dorothy Eloise Farrare, affectionately known as "Dottie" to family and friends, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 19, 2026, at Talbot Hospice in Easton, Maryland. She was 96 years old and had been a cherished member of the Petersburg, Maryland community for more than 70 years.

Dorothy was born on July 15, 1930, in Rhodesdale, Maryland, to the late Susie and Arthur Conway. She was the seventh of fourteen children and was educated in the Dorchester County school system. From an early age, Dorothy developed a love for sewing and pursued that passion by attending the historic Berean Institute in Philadelphia from 1948 to 1950, where she honed her skills in sewing. She later worked alongside her brother, Edward Conway, learning and mastering the craft of custom draperies and slipcovers, a skill that would become both her life's work and a source of pride for decades to come.

In 1964, Dorothy established her own business, Dot's Draperies and Slipcovers. Through exceptional craftsmanship, dedication, and attention to detail, she built a reputation that extended throughout Maryland’s Eastern Shore and beyond. Much of her work came through word of mouth, and her custom draperies and slipcovers graced countless homes across the region. Her talent can still be admired throughout Hurlock United Methodist Church, including the Fellowship Hall, Chapel, and the Pastor’s Suite. She also generously shared her gifts with family members, creating beautiful custom window treatments that became treasured additions to their homes. Dorothy was a truly exceptional seamstress whose work reflected both artistry and pride, and she continued sewing well into her 93rd year.

Never one to sit idle, Dorothy also enjoyed direct sales, representing Fuller, Shaklee, and Stanley Home Products. She enjoyed meeting people, making new friends. Staying active was a priority throughout her life, and she maintained her health and vitality by participating in aerobic exercise programs with local community groups. Her energy, determination, and enthusiasm for life remained an inspiration to all who knew her.

Dorothy first noticed the man who would become the love of her life, Orzie C. Farrare, at a basketball game at Sinclair High School in 1944. Their paths soon diverged when Orzie was drafted to serve during World War II. Fate reunited them in the summer of 1946 when they unexpectedly met again at a local store in Eldorado, Maryland. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong love, and they were married in September 1950. Together they shared 72 years of marriage and were blessed with three daughters: Brenda, Phyllis, and Pamela.

A devoted woman of faith, Dorothy was a loyal member of Zorah United Methodist Church and later continued her membership when three local congregations merged to form Hurlock United Methodist Church. She faithfully served as a pianist and choir member for many years, sharing her musical talents well into her eighties. Her faith, kindness, and servant's heart were evident to all who knew her.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Orzie C. Farrare; her siblings Edward Conway, Mildred Thompson, Leona LeGrande, Alma Davis, Irene Puryear, Harold Conway, Arthur Conway Jr., Elizabeth Jackson, Vernon Conway Sr., and Gloria Stewart; and her special friend, Margaret Elbert.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughters, Brenda Farrare of Hurlock, Maryland; Phyllis Wallace of Fredericksburg, Virginia; and Pamela Farrare-Wilmore of Accokeek, Maryland. She is also survived by her sons-in-law, Howard Wallace and Ray Wilmore Jr.; five grandchildren, Bianca Branch (Antonio), Jerris Corbin (fiancée Katie), Shawnta’ Bigelow (Keith), Grant Wilmore (fiancée Jewel), and Matthew Wilmore; and six great-grandchildren, Caleb Branch, Aidan Branch, Aria Branch, Mikayla Corbin, Cameron Corbin, and Makenzie Wilmore.

Dorothy is further survived by her sisters, Thelma Gaddy and Carolyn Green (Jake); her brother, Ronald Conway; her brother-in-law, Charles Stewart; her dear friend, Helen Harmon and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will cherish her memory.

The family would like to recognize her niece, Jeannie Gates and her sister, Carolyn (Jake), for their loving support and willingness to step in and assist with Dorothy’s care whenever needed. Their kindness, flexibility, and presence provided comfort to both Dorothy and her family and were deeply appreciated.

The family would also like to extend a special acknowledgment and heartfelt thanks to Ms. Joycetine Brown, CNA/CMT, at Talbot Hospice. Her compassionate care, joyful presence, and comforting bedside manner brought many smiles during Dorothy's final weeks. Dorothy looked forward to the cheerful greeting, “hello beautiful, let me see you do your "shimmy-shimmy, Ms. Dorothy," which became a source of joy and laughter during her hospice journey.

Dorothy's legacy of faith, love, hard work, music, and devotion to family will remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Talbot Hospice Foundation, Inc., 586 Cynwood Drive. Easton, MD 21601.

Services will be live streamed on the Henry Funeral Home, P.A. Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/henryfuneralhomepa