Dorothy Mae VanDevender Jeffries, 84, of Covington, Virginia, peacefully went home with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

She was born June 30, 1941, in Covington, Virginia, to the late Glen VanDevender, Sr. and Natley Frances Downey VanDevender.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Johnny Harvey VanDevender, Glenn VanDevender, Jr., and Donald VanDevender; one sister, Ruby Orr; a grandson, David Cullen III, and two daughters-in-law, Bamma Jeffries and Judy Jeffries.

Dorothy was a faithful follower of Jesus and a proud member of First Christian Church in Covington. She was compassionate and caring, taking great pride in her family. She was always positive and upbeat, and had many family and friends who she dearly cherished.

Dorothy loved gardening, always ensuring her home and yard were beautiful where she spent many days watching the birds and butterflies. She also greatly enjoyed travel, having been to numerous destinations, both home and abroad, and was especially blessed to have been baptized in the Jordan River on a trip to Israel with her husband.

In addition to being a wonderful mother and wife she was employed in the Engineering Department at the H.O. Canfield Plant in Iron Gate, served as an Administrative Assistant at Boys Home in Alleghany County, and was an Employee Supervisor at the Kenrose Sewing Factory in Covington.

Dorothy was also active in her community, having been a Life Member of the Westvaco Rescue Squad Ladies Auxiliary, a former officer in the Alleghany Genealogical Society, a former member of the Covington Rainbow Garden Club, and a Past Matron in the Order of the Eastern Star Martha Chapter 21.

Surviving is her husband of nearly 67 years, Charles Jeffries, Sr., of Covington; a son, Charles Jeffries, Jr., of Covington; three daughters, Natalie (Dave) Cullen of Charlottesville, Lorri (Harold "Toy") Higgins of Covington, and Teresa (Todd) Felts of Richmond. Ten grandchildren, Scott Ballweg, Tony Ballweg, Valerie Urban, Kimberly Myrick, Zac Cullen, Alex Cullen, Chase Higgins, Courtney Brown, Nick Moran, and Sophia Moran. And fifteen great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with Bill Gilliland officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Zac Cullen, Alex Cullen, Chase Higgins, Nick Moran, C.J. Urban, and Zach Brown.

Arritt Funeral has been entrusted with handling Mrs. Jeffries arrangements.

The family suggest that memorial tributes be made to First Christian Church, 231 E. Fudge Street, Covington, VA 24426 in memory of Dorothy VanDevender Jeffries.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at arrittfuneralhome.com.