Dorothy Hillary Aranda

Dorothy Hillary Aranda was born on January 1st, 1929. She was raised in Harlem, New York. She is the eldest child of Viola Jones Hillary. Barbara Hillary who was her only sibling preceded her in death. Their father died when they were young. She married Pablo Aranda and became parents of one son, John Aranda. Dorothy went to school and began her career in New York as a trained medical technologist until 1972. Pablo and Dorothy moved and built a home in her mother’s hometown on Hilton Head Island located in South Carolina. This was a dream fulfilled. In memory of her mother, she renamed the road to their residence Viola Road. Dorothy continued her career in the medical field as the Laboratory Director of Beaufort County until 1979. Under the direction of Mr. Thomas C. Barnwell Jr., she set up a medical lab in Beaufort County. Since the initiation of this project, The Thomas Barnwell medical center has expanded to six locations. Dorothy’s mother always told her, it doesn’t matter where you come from; you have the ability to achieve. Those words fostered her goals and aspirations to become a businesswoman. She pursued her dreams and developed businesses on Hilton Head Island. She was the president of Dohara Associates Inc.; bought a radio station and the rights to a TV station. Dorothy also wanted to make sure all children had access to books, so she started a book distribution project. After many years on Hilton Head Island, S.C., she sold both stations and moved to Simpsonville, SC. Dorothy loved the Spanish language, so while in Simpsonville, she taught it at Clemson University. Dorothy “Dot” affectionately called by her family was a devout catholic. She was a loving and giving person. Dorothy was confident, eloquent, and assertive. She was the epitome of a lady and always remained true to herself. Dorothy was fond of dogs, especially Dobermans and always had one as a pet. She loved music, playing the piano, and the game Mahjong. Dorothy continued playing the piano with the assistance of a phenomenal piano teacher, Rachael Mulnix, for over 12 years, until her health started to fail. Dorothy will be deeply missed by her son, goddaughter, daughter-in-laws, grandson and a host of family and friends.

Tributes

Dorothy Hillary Aranda

January 1, 1929 - May 7, 2023