Dorothy Jeanne Schroeder
(July 23, 1923 - November 23, 2013)

Dorothy Jeanne "D.J." Schroeder died Saturday, November 23, at The Woodlands Retirement Center, Huntington. She was the daughter of the late J. Bert Schroeder and Stella Pancake Schroeder, and the granddaughter of the late Daniel Jefferson Pancake and Ella Teays Pancake, with whom she was extremely close. Daniel Jefferson Pancake, the early 1900's founder of the Pancake Realty Company, had constructed a large home at 401 Tenth Avenue, Huntington, which became residence for the family – as many as three generations together. D.J. had many fun cousins with whom to play. Those surviving her are Fredna Schroeder Stuart of Dallas, TX; Mary Ann Pancake Walwer, Braden, FL; Daniel Charles Pancake, Willow Springs, IL; John Teays Pancake, Woodbury, NY; Stephen Taylor Pancake, Bradenton, FL; David Matthew Pancake, Huntington, WV; and James Timothy Pancake, Melbourne, FL. She was a member of The Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, Huntington, starting in the Cradle Roll Department, and never lost her interest in, or discussing matters of faith and belief. She attended Arlington Hall School for Girls, Arlington, Virginia, until its buildings were required for use in the war effort. She returned to Huntington, and Marshall University, for a semester, and married. Then she worked as Mrs. Eisenhower's fan mail secretary while General Eisenhower campaigned for the Presidency. She and her husband then moved to Hollywood, California, where she was employed by 20th Century Fox in the Public Relations Department. She enjoyed watching movies being made, and later seeing them in a theater. Things changed, and she returned to Huntington, and took a job in radio. She was invited to join WSAZ, the upcoming television station. She did a variety of shows, but was best known for her many years of weather reporting. Her career ended, and she moved from the big house – the last member of her family "to put out the lights." She adored her new home. She re-met a high school classmate who she married after forty years of being single. They traveled to Europe, Hawaii, Canada, Cayman Islands, Nova Scotia and several cruises. She so enjoyed the sight-seeing and learning.  She became single again. Physical health problems were countered by a quiet life and being homebound for these last years. During these days she particularly enjoyed talking of her experience in broadcasting, and the wonderful people with whom she worked. It was great joy recalling having been inducted into the West Virginia Broadcasters' Hall of Fame.  D.J. realized how much her relatives and friends meant to her even more as her ailments progressed. She did her best personally to express to each one, but instructed and directed that the following paragraph be included in her obituary:  "If you see a man or woman walking about town with wings, it would be my cousins, Jane and David Pancake, who have devoted themselves to making the best of my last years."  Should you wish to do something in her memory, she left further guidance – "Say something nice and encouraging to someone – today. Even better, do something nice – today."  The family expresses its appreciation to the nurses and caregivers – Sarah Care, Hospice of Huntington, St. Mary's Hospital and HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital. Special appreciation for Dr. Shawn Coffman and Woodlands Retirement Center Healthcare/Nursing.  D.J. instructed, and charged, that there be no visitation nor funeral. A private committal will be held. Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary, Inc., is assisting.