Dorothy Jean Cooley Barksdale, age 89, was born on January 17, 1936 in Talladega, Alabama and passed away peacefully on June 4th, 2025. A celebration of life ceremony will be held in her honor at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 07, 2025, at Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega with Robert Klotz officiating. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. prior to the service.

Dorothy ‘Hot Dot’ Barksdale grew up in Talladega, AL and graduated from Talladega High School. She attended the University of Alabama where she was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority and head cheerleader for the Alabama Crimson Tide her senior year. She was a long time member at First Baptist Church of Talladega where she cherished her Sunday school class, who continued to visit with her when she became unable to attend.

Dorothy taught at Talladega High School for 37 years as a physical education teacher. She was the cheerleader sponsor as well as the girl’s track and volleyball teams coach. Her passion and love for her students extended well beyond the schoolyard—chaperoning senior trips abroad and Explorers Club trips. She was a major influence to multiple generations of children who grew up in her community.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Jeanette Cooley, and daughter, Tracy Rheudasil.

Mrs. Barksdale is survived by sons, John Thomas Barksdale (Melanie) and Brian Barksdale (Janie), grandchildren, Tyler Barksdale (Stephanie), Tanner Barksdale, and Maggie Rheudasil, and great-grandchildren, Crew Barksdale and Everett Barksdale.

Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.