Dorothy Anell Howard Waycaster, age 80, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024, at The Nichols Center in Madison, Mississippi. The only child of the late Bessie Fowler Howard Hussey and Zack Charles Howard, Dot was born July 6, 1944 in Tupelo, Mississippi and raised in Nettleton. After her father, a United States Marine, was killed in action on Iwo Jima in 1945 during World War II, her mother married Charles C. Hussey, Jr. of Tupelo, who loved Dot as his own child. Dot is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Gwyn Waycaster, her loving daughter, MeLisa “Missy” Stewart and her “favorite son-in-law” Keith Stewart, all of Madison. She is also survived by a brother, Mack Hussey (Vicky) of Auburn, Alabama, a sister-in-law, Emily Patterson (John Robert) of Nettleton, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Her dear friends, Donna Steinriede of Brandon, and Carroll and Melba Pettigrew of Nettleton, are a treasured part of the Waycaster family. Welcoming Dot into heaven are her parents, grandparents, one brother, Wayne Hussey (Pam), and a host of family members and friends. In 1966, Dot graduated from Mississippi State College for Women (The W) earning a degree in business secretarial, and later received another degree from The W in elementary education. She taught elementary school eleven years in Nettleton and two years in Kosciusko. Her sharp wit, creativity and compassion for children made her a favorite among students and teachers. Both Dot and her husband answered God’s call to the pastoral ministry in 1978, and in 1983, graduated from RHEMA Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. After ordination, they worked together in ministry for more than 45 years pastoring churches in towns across Mississippi, including Amory, Kosciusko, Vicksburg, McComb and Ridgeland. For many years, the Waycasters hosted “The Living Word” TV program teaching God’s Word and demonstrating the love of Jesus to viewers in Northeast Mississippi and Northwest Alabama, including a brief time on WGN Chicago. A private interment will be held at Lee Memorial Park in Tupelo. In lieu of flowers, the family requests honoring Dot’s love of children and books by considering a donation to the Dorothy J. Lowe Memorial Library. Checks may be mailed to the library at 165 Young Avenue, Nettleton, MS 38858. Please note Dot Waycaster in the memo line.