Dorothy Jean (Simpson) Harmon Cavanaugh

Dorothy Jean (Simpson) Cavanaugh, age 86 of Attica, IN, passed away at 4:08 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Williamsport Nursing and Rehabilitation, surrounded by her loving family.

Dorothy was born on December 12, 1938 in Gravel Switch, KY. She was the daughter of William D. And Malissie (O’Daniel) Simpson. Dorothy was raised in Gravel Switch, KY. She attended Marion County schools in Kentucky. Dorothy married Willard Harmon Sr.. in Jeffersonville, IN and they later divorced. She later married Charles Lloyd Cavanaugh in Williamsport, IN on May 1, 1993 and he preceded her in death on December 27, 2000.

Dorothy worked as a janitor, bus driver, and in the kitchen at Lafayette Baptist School. She retired from Purdue University as a mail clerk in Earhart Hall and had previously worked in housekeeping. While working at Purdue University, she earned her GED.

Dorothy was a founding member of Wabash Valley Bible Baptist Church in Attica which was previously Bible Baptist Church in Williamsport and had taught Sunday School since 1964. She was a secretary and cleaned at the church for many years. She entertained the congregation with her howdy yell as Minnie Pearl during the church talent show.

Dorothy loved reading her Bible. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, and quilting, and making baby blankets. She also enjoyed bird watching, fishing, sight-seeing, and traveling. Dorothy enjoyed listening to blue-grass country music and christian music.

Surviving are:

3 children, Pamela Jean Harmon Potter (Chris) of Rossville, IL, Angela Kay Harmon of Attica, IN, and Willard Harmon Jr. (Missy) of Warren County, IN;

9 grandchildren;

13 great-grandchildren

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Grover Simpson, Elizabeth Gulley, Louise Simpson, and Helen Rigdon.

Visitation will be on Monday, March 17, 2025 at Wabash Valley Bible Baptist Church from 11:00 a.m. until funeral service time at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor J. David Adams officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Attica. Memorial contributions may be made to Wabash Valley Bible Baptist Church.