Dorothy Ellen Harkins

Dorothy Ellen Harkins, age 78, Bel Air, MD, died on December 12, 2010 at her home. Born in Dublin, MD, she was the daughter of the late Ralph Oliver and Sarah Jane Walker Knight, and wife of the late James Donald Harkins Sr. She retired after many years as a hairdresser, where she owned and operated Dottie's Beauty Shop, and was also the owner and operator of the Poplar Inn in Dublin. An avid gardener, especially roses, she was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Hickory, as well as, the Darlington VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Harkins is survived by her son, James Donald Harkins Jr., and companion, Danielle Hall, of Hickory, MD; daughters, Mary Kathryn Holdaway and husband, Harry, of Abingdon, MD; Sarah Jane Blevins and husband, David, of Havre de Grace, MD, Leigh Ann Wren-Eller and husband, Tommy, of Havre de Grace, MD, Elizabeth Ellen Simmons of Hickory, MD, and Karen Michelle "Shelley" Renshaw and companion, Eddie Staples, of Port Deposit, MD; sisters, Katherine Anderson of Branchburg, NJ, Jessie Wheeler of Dublin, MD, and Mary Jane Loveall of Elkton, MD; 11 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brothers, Robert and Wilson Knight, sister, Lee Anna Kelly, and grandson, Brian Simmons.

Pallbearers will be Chris and Brian Holdaway, Chad Blevins, Jim Wren, Kyle Harkins, and James Simmons. Honorary pallbearer will be David Holdaway.

Those who desire may make a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 10946 Beaver Dam Rd., Suite E, Hunt Valley, MD 21030.