Dorothy Sellers Chalmers

Dorothy Sellers Chalmers (Dot) , age 101, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 25, 2024, at Oak Hill Assisted Living in Angier, NC. Dot was born in Brooklyn, NY to Arthur E. and Mabel O. Sellers on September 24, 1922. Brooklyn was her home prior to attending Wilson College, PA, where she received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics. After graduation she worked at Bell Labs in NY, until she met the love of her life, Cal Chalmers. They were married in August 1948 and moved to Long Island, NY where they made a home together and raised their two children. Dot had a big smile, a kind heart and a gentle spirit. She quietly got things done. She was PTA president when her kids were in elementary school and was instrumental in having a traffic light installed on a major road, when everyone said it couldn’t be done, to make it safer for all the children who walked to school. She was active in her church in Baldwin, NY, and when she and Cal retired to Wilmington, NC, she continued to devote her life to serving others and the Lord. She was president of the WSCS in Baldwin as well as in Wilmington at Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church, her new church home where she and Cal made many lifelong friends. Dot had a beautiful soprano voice. She praised the Lord in song with the church choir and was often the soloist at Sunday services and holiday cantatas, as well as at many weddings and other special occasions. She sang with the Brooklyn Oratorio Society before moving to Long Island. When her voice would no longer cooperate (in her 80’s!), she took up handbells and played in the church handbell choir.

After retiring to Wilmington, Cal joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Even though boating was not her favorite thing in life, Dot joined him in his love of the sea and went on to teach Boating Safety Skills and Seamanship. She often accompanied him patrolling the waters of Wrightsville Beach. They were fortunate to be able to travel the world together, from heli-hiking in Canada, seeing the tulips bloom in the Netherlands, enjoying kangaroos and koalas in Australia and New Zealand, and many other adventures.

Dot was a devoted wife and a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother (she loved being the little one’s Gigi). She is survived by her daughter, Karen Selz and husband Mark; grandchildren Matthew Selz, Kimberly Selz Martin and husband William; four precious great grandchildren Katherine Martin, Tess Martin, Tripp Martin and Banks Martin; and brother-in-law George Chalmers. Dot was preceded in death by her parents; her older brother Arthur; Cal, her husband of 69 years; and Wayne, her son.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Oak Hill Assisted Living, Angier, NC for their gentle and loving care during the last years of her life. We also wish to thank special friends Vickie Thompson and Nikki Stevenson for their continued support.

We find comfort in knowing that she is once again back in the arms of her beloved Cal, and that the Lord has welcomed her into Heaven to be with Him and her loved ones who passed before her.

To allow for the return of a family member who is currently out of the country, a Celebration of Dot’s life will not be held until June 22, 2024, at 10:30 am, at Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church, Wilmington, NC. At that time, we will also remember her son Wayne. Both she and Wayne will be inurned in the church columbarium. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church, 10255 US Highway 17, Wilmington, NC.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com