Dorothy Jane Mersereau Carson died in her home on Wednesday evening, January 7, 2009, of a sudden cardiac-related event.

She was born in Boston, MA on January 17, 1932, the daughter of Thomas O. and Mary Jane Bussey Mersereau, both of whom preceded her in death. A brother, Raymond Mersereau, also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her husband, James D. Carson; three sons and their spouses, Douglas and Jerryn Carson, Kenneth and Jean Carson, and Thomas and Karen Carson; a daughter and her spouse, Rebecca and Donald Phillips; 12 grandchildren, Kirsten Bestor, Christopher, Katherine, Nicholas, Peter, Molly, Beth, Scott; Erich and JD, and Sarah and Christiana Phillips, and one great-grandchild, Elliot Bestor. She was the happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren and was just getting acquainted with her great-grandchild. Also surviving her is a brother, Edward Mersereau, and a dear friend since high school, Nellie Smyth.

Dottie, as she was known by her husband and friends, was converted to Jesus Christ in her high school years; attended Geneva College; and was married on May 16, 1952. She and her husband had more than 56 years of marriage. Dottie was a faithful wife (and faithful pastor's wife), a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She had a keen interest in young people, especially students at Beaver County Christian School and Geneva College. She was active in the Geneva Women organization. She was a member of the College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church and active in the Highlanders Missionary Society.

Dottie had thought about this day and nearly 12 years ago had written down some thoughts about a memorial service. These are some of her words: "I desire a simple service of praise and thanksgiving to God for life, for redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ, for the hope of everlasting life in the presence of Jesus, thanksgiving for a life that allowed me to see our children's children, and a great-grandchild. I want the focus to be on the grace of Jesus and not on any human merit. My only hope is the grace of Jesus. Even in my death, I want an invitation for people to come to Jesus."

Dottie's life verses were in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." The Lord is good, and her family trusts in the promise of Jesus that she is now fully healed in the presence of Jesus for eternity.

Friends will be received Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. in the HILL & KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, www.hillandkunselman.com, 3801 Fourth Ave., College Hill, Beaver Falls. A funeral service will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Kenneth Orr will officiate.

Private interment will be in the Reformed Presbyterian Church Cemetery of New Galilee.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Beaver County Christian School (510 37th St., Beaver Falls, PA 15010), Geneva College (3200 College Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010), College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church (3217 College Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010) or to a charity of your choosing.