Dorothy Odell Cartwright “Dottie” Cayton, 85, of Hertford, NC, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Born on March 13, 1941, Dottie was the wife of 54 years to the late James Preston Cayton and the daughter of Davis Odell Cartwright and Dorothy Mae Matthews Cartwright both deceased.

Survivors include her sister, Carol Matthews; niece, Lynn Dalton and husband, Chris; nephew, Davis Matthews and wife, Moe; and three great nieces, Amber Cobbs and husband, Chris, Michelle Matthews of Germany, and Kelly Cater and husband Christopher.

Funeral services celebrating Dottie’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Zach Brown officiating. The family will greet friends at the funeral home immediately following the service. Interment will be private at Cedarwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the OBX SPCA Dare County at www.obxspca.org

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, NC is assisting the Cayton family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com