LANCASTER—Dorothy Cornwell Keyser, 94, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Dorothy was born in Lancaster on December 16, 1930, to John Robert “Jack” Cornwell and Lillian Janey Brent Cornwell.
She graduated from Lively High School in 1949. She married Robert Bernard “Bumpsie” Keyser on April 6, 1950. In 1961 Dorothy started working at The Shoe Store in Kilmarnock and worked there as a clerk and later as a manager for over 40 years. She loved her customers as if they were family and proudly fitted many young children in the first shoes.
Dorothy was a faithful lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Lancaster, a member of the Episcopal Church Women and the Rebecca Lodge.
She is survived by her son, Robert Bernard “Buddy” Keyser; and her daughter, Janet Keyser Christopher (Michael); five grandchildren, Dr. Carter Christopher (Cheryl), Chase Christopher (Kate), Bryan Keyser (Carley), Kimberly Headley (Tim) and Jennifer Moon (Jay); 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Dorothy is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces and nephews and countless loving friends.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Bumpsie; her parents, Jack and Lillian; and her six siblings, Virginia Cornwell Lumpkin, William “Billy” Cornwell, George Cornwell, James Cornwell, John Robert Cornwell and Wilbert “Red” Cornwell.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Trinity Episcopal Church Altar Guild Fund, P. O. Box 208, Lancaster, VA 22503 or Historic White Marsh Church Cemetery Fund, 11040 Mary Ball Road, Lancaster, VA 22503.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
