Dorothy Clell Hales Furr was a beloved wife, "Mama," and grandmother, whose life was marked by her devotion to her large family. A resident of Hampton, Virginia, for over six decades, Dorothy's legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren.
Early Life and Family Roots
Dorothy Clell Hales was born on February 8, 1923, in Kenly, Johnston County, North Carolina. She was the fifth child of James and Pearl Hill Hales, growing up as part of a large and loving family. Her siblings included James Perry Hales Jr., Fletcher Blythe Hales, Leon Daughtridge Hales, Earnest Harold Hales, Winifred Hill Hales, Floyd Everette Hales, Vara Pearl Hales Johnson, Betty Lois Hales Pender, Duke Nelson Hales, and Janice Marie Hales Batten.

Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive
Marriage and Family Life
Dorothy married Nelson Whitfield Furr on September 21, 1942, in Newport News, Virginia. From the time of their marriage, Dorothy and Nelson established their home in Hampton, Virginia, where they remained residents for the rest of their lives.
Together, they built a family, welcoming three children:
- Brenda Clell Furr, born in 1943
- Robert Nelson Furr, born in 1947
- Jerry Wayne Furr, born in 1948
Dorothy was a devoted wife and "Mama," cherishing her role in the family. She and Nelson were also proud grandparents to Pam Weatherman, Samuel Weatherman, Tanya Furr, and Robert N. Furr Jr.
Later Years and Legacy
Dorothy's husband, Nelson Whitfield Furr, passed away on July 21, 1981, at Hampton General Hospital, Hampton, Virginia. He was laid to rest in Parklawn Memorial Park.
Granddaughter Pam, daughter of Brenda Clell Furr, passed away Jan. 25, 2003, in Hampton, Virginia. She is buried in Parklawn Memorial Park.
Dorothy Clell Hales Furr died at the age of 80 on March 19, 2003. She is buried alongside her husband, Nelson, in Parklawn Memorial Park in Hampton, Virginia.
The family later experienced further loss with the passing of their sons: Jerry Wayne Furr died on February 1, 2015, and Robert Nelson Furr passed away on December 24, 2020.