Dottie Omega Richburg

Dottie Omega Richburg, known to everyone simply as Dottie, passed away on January 26, 2026. She will forever be 29.

Dottie grew up in Mobile, Alabama, and lived a life that rarely stayed still. As a traveling nurse, she worked in many places and made herself at home wherever she landed. Mobile and Dadeville, Alabama, were always her anchors, and even near the end, she continued doing what she loved, working one day a week in Tallassee at Community Hospital.

She was fun-loving, outgoing, and completely down to earth. People loved her laugh, and you never had to guess what she was thinking because her face usually said it first. Dottie spoke her mind, answered any question she was asked without a filter, and somehow made honesty feel refreshing instead of harsh. She had a gift for conversation and made friends everywhere she went. Caring for others was not just her job; it was part of who she was.

Dottie loved to gamble and enjoyed every bit of the action. Cruises often meant long hours in the casino. Road trips frequently ended at blackjack tables or slot machines. She enjoyed house card games, Texas Hold’em tournaments at the world-famous Rodeo Club, and in recent years she tried to never miss a BINGO night at Martin's (old Col. Tom's). If there was a game involved, Dottie was ready to play.

Family came first, always. Dottie was the caretaker, the steady presence, and the one who quietly handled whatever needed to be done. She was deeply devoted to her two sons, Ernest “Buck” Richburg (wife, Kristi Richburg) and Ronald “Ron” Richburg. She was proud of her granddaughter, Jayden Bullock, and absolutely adored her three great-grandsons. She is also survived by her brother, Frank Cunningham (wife, Ronda Cunningham), and her nieces, Ashley, Courtney, and JoAnna “Jodie” Espinal (husband, Mario), Uncle Mike Ashmore (wife, Jane). She also leaves behind a close circle of friends who loved her fiercely and were loved just as deeply in return.

Her loyalty and sense of responsibility ran deep. Dottie lovingly cared for her ex-husband, Barry, after his stroke and remained by his side until his passing in July 2024. Helping others was never a question for her. She simply showed up and stayed.

Dogs brought Dottie tremendous joy throughout her life. Many were loved over the years, but Lucy, her chi-wieny, was her constant companion for nearly fifteen years. After her mother, Shirley, passed in 2018, Dottie took in Bama, a Shih Tzu who stayed close as she bravely fought the cancer that ultimately took her life.

Lake Martin was where Dottie lived her best life. Summers were spent on the boat or jet ski, floating at Ant Island, or watching her boys jump from Chimney and Chicken Rock. Crisp fall evenings meant Auburn football, cool air, a fire pit, and a cold Bud Light with a lime. Lake life suited her perfectly and brought her some of her happiest memories.

Dottie was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. Her family hopes that when people think of her, they smile, hear her laugh, and remember just how much love she poured into the lives around her.

A celebration of life for Dottie Richburg will be held on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 from 1:30 - 3:30 at Lake Martin Funeral Home & Cremation in the Reception area downstairs. This will be a very informal celebration where we hope her friends will come and share memories and their favorite “Dottie” story. We will toast her in true Dottie fashion, a Bud Light with a lime.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Black Dog Rescue (Venmo: Tara-Taylor-47).

Lake Martin Funeral Home and Cremation is honored to serve the family of Dottie Richburg.