Dora Mallory Pinkstaff

Dora Mallory Pinkstaff had the best day ever when she opened her eyes to heaven and saw her Savior on August 11, 2023.

Dora was born as the strong-willed, oldest child of five, to Daniel and Norma Mallory on August 5, 1951. She went by many names while she was earth-side; Punkin, Dorie, Dorie Doll, Mama, Mom, Mamaw, and Aunt Dora, just to name a few. She was especially thrilled in the year 2000 when her name became popular from the hit show, “Dora the Explorer”. She had the doll hanging from her rear-view mirror for many years and was teased endlessly by her children.

Dora’s determined nature allowed her to graduate from Sinclair Community College in 1991, earning her Physical Therapist Assistant degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She had a passion for helping geriatric patients and they adored her. She was recognized many times for her outstanding therapy work.

Dora was loved by many, but especially by the love of her life, Wayne, with whom she celebrated forty years of marriage. Together they moved several times with their little family in the 80’s, but settled down in Eaton, Ohio where they eventually built their dream house by the lake. They spent many years traveling, hiking, hitting-up Gaither concerts, and volunteering at church. Dora and Wayne especially loved going on trips with “The Sisters” and then making their children look through the photo book that was made of those trips. They really were the best of friends and Wayne devoted himself to her care when she became ill in June of 2022.

Dora was the best mom to her three children, Brian (the troublemaker), Jodi (her favorite), and Lisa (the drama queen). Her grandson, Logan, later usurped Jodi as the golden child when Dora and Wayne gained custody of him in 2004. Dora spent countless hours trying to teach math to Logan and Lisa (tears, lots of tears), cheering on Jodi at her many soccer and softball games, and sending bus fare to Brian. She was selfless, loving, and sacrificed countless hours for her kids. Most importantly, she made sure they knew about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

One of Dora’s favorite titles was that of Mamaw to her 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Countless hours were spent on the floor playing puzzles, taking the babies on beach walks, carpooling, and attending a million school and sporting events. She even moved to North Carolina, and then to Texas, to help with the littlest grands. She loved her grandbabies immeasurably and prayed over them tirelessly.

Dora was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Brian, and nephew Billy. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Wayne, her daughters Jodi (Andrew) Knoll and Lisa Brubaker; sisters, Deborah (Todd) England, Judy (Wayne) Games, Rebecca Pearson, and her brother, Gary Mallory. A private celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.

Dora was notorious for handing over a fork full of food and saying “Try it. You might like it.” Sometimes we tried it, and on occasion, we liked it. So today, try something new because it might just be your next favorite thing.

Dora had a passion for helping people in need, so in lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to World Hope International, Child Sponsorship, 1330 Braddock Place, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314.