Dorothy "Dot" Mulder Roark

SHELBY- After an exceptional, trailblazing life spanning over a century, Dorothy (“Dot”) Mulder Roark, age 101, passed away at home on Christmas Day – December 25, 2025. Born in Holland, Michigan, on December 19, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Hattie (Brummel) Mulder. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Cathryn Mulder, and her brothers Art, Earl, Ray, Elmer, and Harold Mulder. She was also predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Lester Roark, in 2014.

Dot’s parents were first generation Americans, and she was born into a Dutch farming family where she developed a strong work ethic. She was the first in her family to graduate from high school and with the encouragement of her beloved Aunt Ruthie, she was also the first in her family to attend college, at Michigan State, where she obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees. Between her degrees, during the Korean War, Dot enlisted in the new Women’s Air Force (WAF) where she became one of the first commissioned officers, and retired after the reserves as a captain. She was very proud of her military service.

Dot returned to Michigan State after her active-duty service to earn a Master’s degree in Communication and Public Television. She relocated to Raleigh, NC to become one of the first employees of WUNC-TV, where she produced and hosted shows focused on women’s issues, the arts, and health, and was also the first anchor for the evening news. She later obtained an Ed.S. degree from Appalachian State, and did doctoral work at Virginia Tech.

After marrying Les Roark in 1956 and moving to Shelby, NC, Dot took a career break to raise her children. During this time, she became very active in the community and at Shelby Presbyterian Church, where she was a proud and active member for 69 years, serving in a variety of roles over that time.

Of the many community organizations with which Dot served, she was most proud of her role in helping found and then serving on the initial board of directors for Hospice of Cleveland County (now Wendover Hospice House), the Cleveland County Abuse Prevention Council, and Friends of the Library. She was also a Girl Scout troop leader for a number of years and later served as a board member for the Piedmont Girl Scout Council in Gastonia.

Dot had a fulfilling career at Cleveland Community College (CCC), where she wore many hats. In her initial role of Media Specialist, she had a vision for the C19 television production studio and helped lay the groundwork for it. The C19 studio recently relocated, and the new/expanded studio was dedicated in her honor in August 2025. Dot was Director of Development and Public Relations when she retired from CCC, after which she traveled extensively all over the world. Interestingly, following her retirement she became a huge Atlanta Braves fan, watching every game on TV with her husband Les, which continued after his passing.

Dot’s commitment to what she called her “four pillars” – church, education, community, and military – is unparalleled, and she spent most of her 101 years making the world a better place as a result. Her legacy of a “century of service” – whether publicly working with a community organization or behind the scenes just helping a friend in need – will be far reaching and long lasting. Ultimately though, Dot’s lifelong compass was always her resolute and unwavering faith, and that faith has led her to now embarking on her final and greatest adventure. Godspeed!

Surviving Dot is her daughter Pam Roark Washer (Doug) of Blowing Rock, NC; her son Jeff Roark of Shelby, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Helping Hands and their caregivers including Bea Webber, Margaret Wilson, Teresa Byars, and Trudy Hopper who all provided Dot with compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Dorothy Mulder Roark Endowed Fund, c/o CCC Foundation, Inc., 137 South Post Road, Shelby, NC 28152; or to the Raper-Roark Trust Fund, P.O. Box 207, Shelby, NC 28151; or to Shelby Presbyterian Church, 226 E. Graham St., Shelby, NC 28150.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funerals Cremations & Aquamation Center of Shelby, NC. Please feel free to share condolences online at www.claybarnette.com or www.legacy.com. Service arrangements are pending and will be provided when finalized.