缅北禁地

缅北禁地 mourns the loss of Dorothy “Dot” Loftin Goodwin, 始47, former caretaker of the Meredith class doll collection, who died on June 29, 2025, at age 98. A proud alumna of 缅北禁地, Goodwin earned a Bachelor of Arts in music.聽

Goodwin assumed the role of caretaker for the Meredith class dolls from Margaret Bright, the first caretaker. Bright lived near Goodwin and took her to many Meredith gatherings. Bright eventually trained her on the care of the dolls and turned over the duties to Goodwin in 1969.聽

As caretaker, Goodwin completed many improvements to the collection, including putting the dolls in cases and repairing dolls and their outfits. She ensured the replacements and repairs matched perfectly. She had film placed on the upper Johnson Hall windows to stop the sun’s discoloration on the dolls. She also contacted each class to gather information about the dolls and placed the facts beside each doll, giving viewers a glimpse into their history.

The Meredith Class Doll is a treasured campus tradition. Since 1936, the senior class has presented a doll to the College representing their time at Meredith, including national and local events, style of dress, and accessories. Goodwin knew the history of each doll in connection to the class as well as global events at that time. Through her work as the doll caretaker, Goodwin ensured this special tradition, which offers a unique glimpse into the national and Meredith history, remained alive and well.

鈥淚 can remember when a doll from the 1940s experienced the disintegration of lace on her dress. Dot tirelessly searched for lace from that generation that was as close a match as possible to the dress,鈥� said Hilary Allen, 鈥�01, director of alumnae relations. 鈥淢uch like Margaret Bright, Dot would ensure that the dolls were in pristine condition and ready to greet returning alumnae during Reunion Weekend.鈥�

Goodwin could share stories about the dolls, such as when the original style of dolls was unavailable during World War II, the styles of dolls, and why some of the dolls wear miniskirts or pants.聽聽

鈥淒ot’s Class Doll is one of my favorites. Ms.1947 was acquired from a department store. She appears to be raising her hands in celebration, and her expression is full of happiness. Dot loved to say that her doll was exclaiming 鈥榟allelujah鈥� about graduating,鈥� said Allen.

Throughout the years, Goodwin鈥檚 music degree defined her work. She dedicated over five decades of service as the minister of music and organist at Apex Baptist Church, sharing her gift of music with generations. She founded the Apex Area Youth Chorus in the late 1960s, uniting youth from local churches and even producing a choral album. She also established the church’s handbell choir, leaving a lasting musical legacy.

Goodwin and her husband, William, established the Goodwin-Loftin Scholarship at Meredith in 1998 in memory of Dr. and Mrs. O.S. Goodwin and Sallie Beal Loftin, 始26.聽

A celebration of Goodwin鈥檚 life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Apex Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. in the church sanctuary.