Dorothy Ballard

Dorothy “Dot” Ballard, 93, of Columbia, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026. Born on April 20, 1933, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Russell Ward Hendricks and Ernestine Cranfill Hendricks.

Dot was a member of Woodfield Park Baptist Church and retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield. She treasured her family and especially cherished the years she spent with her beloved husband, John William Ballard. Dot had a beautiful singing voice and loved to sing. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she proudly loved and served Jesus. Her favorite song to sing was “Jesus Loves Me,” a song that beautifully reflected her faith and devotion.

Dot is survived by her niece, Christy Hendricks Carter (Ryker) of St. Simons Island, GA; her sister-in-law, Fran Hendricks, and niece, Michele Hicks, both of Columbia; and many grandchildren, extended family members, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Dot was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John William Ballard; her brother, James D. “Jim” Hendricks, of Columbia; her sister, Carol E. Patterson; her sons, William Michael Ballard and John Michael Ballard; and her daughter, Rebecca Sue Gardner. She is lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law, Fran Hendricks, and niece, Michele Hicks, who remain in Columbia.

A visitation for Mrs. Ballard will be held on Sunday, September 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Army Emergency Relief (AER) in memory of her beloved husband, John William Ballard, a proud U.S. Army Veteran. Donations will help provide financial assistance to Soldiers, retired Soldiers, and Army families in need.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.