DOTTIE RAMBO TRIBUTE from MOODY RADIO May 13, 2008
Posted by dottierambomusic in Dottie Rambo.trackback
GospelMusicUpdate.com has posted a tribute to Dottie Rambo from Moody Radio. Visit www.GospelMusicUpdate.com to listen
GospelMusicUpdate.com has posted a tribute to Dottie Rambo from Moody Radio. Visit www.GospelMusicUpdate.com to listen
My love and prayers to the family of Dottie. She was much loved and respected by everyone and will be missed terribly.
My prayers are also with the others that were hurt. I pray for a full recovery for each and every one.
Love in Christ to All,
There are no words that we as Christians can define when it comes to Dottie Rambo, She was a Holiness Woman all the way, her life and memories will forever embrace this world we live in. The very solid rock she sang about she now stands on, the song Tears Will Never Stain the Streets of that City she has entered, and now Flood This World, Until we are all together ” Sing In That Beautiful Angel Band ”
Much Love,
Tracy
http://www.tracywellsministries.com
On behalf of my wife Mary Lou. and Myself Patrick Michael Mitchell would like to give our deepest condolences to Dotties family. She was such a beutifull lady. I alwyas saw her on the Gaither Programs that were televised and also have seen her numerous times on their DVD’s. I also had the opportunity of meeting her twice in Nashville Tennesee twice in the 1970’s at the Grand Ole Opry. My wife and I are both Canadian but my wife spent over 35 years in her life in Connecticut and then moved back to Canada in 1993. We met on my birthday in 1993 on April 01st or April fools day. I was born in 1962 and three months later we got married in the State of Connecticut to where much of her family lives today. Dottie will be sadly missed. By not only by myself but everybody that knew her and those who even the opportunity like I did to meet her.
My father, Lee Roy Abernathy of Gospel music fame, was a great admirer of Mrs. Rambo and spoke very highly of her during my growing up years. My prayers go out to her family. Gospel music has lost a great witness, she will be missed.
I remember Dottie coming to our church in Hammond In. when I was young.It was like the singing Rambos were apart of our Evangelist Temple family and apart of our heritage. Thank you Dottie for the memories.
First, to Dottie’s family and co-workers/friends our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God continue to mend your hearts as you walk through the coming days/weeks.
What a homecoming Dottie has experienced, “she is basking/beholding the King of Kings”, the love she wrote of for so many years, now she sees face to face. I am 43, and Dottie has always been a part of my life and my family through her ministry and the minisrty of Reba and her family-We Love Ya’ll
Johnny
To the Family of Dottie Rambo,
On be-half of Wal-Greens in Helena Alabama and Eastern
Valley Church of God in Bessemer Alabama we send Our Deepest Sympathies and All The Love and Prayers to you.
I, Joy Sullivan of Alabaster Alabama will miss Her deeply,
but I know that She’s in a place where the streets are Pure as
Gold and where she can and is singing in that Heavenly Choir.
May God’s Hands Touch You
and Comfort You as you
Go through this difficult Time,
Always,
Joy Sullivan
Dottie will live forever in Heaven! Her ministry will continue forever on the earth through the songs that she wrote. She is now walking The Holy Hills of Heaven that called her, and wearing her new shoes. And no more pain.
Dottie’s music will forever be in our hearts.
Thank-you.
I want to send my love to her wonderful family. As a young girl I watched her and Vesta Goodman on Sunday mornings before going to church. My dad always said we were late because of me watching them. But you know we are sad here on earth becasue we lost a woman who made a wonderful impact in our lives. But can you only image what she is doing right this minute. Walking down the streets of Gold with our Saviour. Enjoying the beauty that she wrote about, oh how wonderful. Thank you God for sending this woman to earth to share with us the songs she wrote about your love. Thank you Dottie’s family for letting us say our Good bye. But I cant wait to say hello Dottie and move over cause I want to stand by you and Vesta and sing in that Heavenly Angel Band.
One of the great highlights of my growing up has been the music of Dottie Rambo and Reba. I have loved them for many years and feel a great sadness in her passing as if a family member has passed. Dottie walked her talk, loved people that many churches would turn their backs on and for this I have always believed that she is “The Real Thing.”
She will never be forgotten. Her music and memory will live on…. I am sad tonight as I listen to her singing and writing this… But I know she is free now and she is wearing her some “new shoes”…..
I love you Dottie…. Thank you for everything you did and did like no other has done…
Words cannot describe the shock I felt when I heard Dottie Rambo had passed away. She is standing before her Lord and Saviour right now and worshipping him obly. All the songs she wrote about heaven she is experiencing right now. She was an incredible tool of God to the Body of Christ. I told my husband they don’t make em like her anymore as far as writing songs that minister to the Body of Christ. She personally was responsible back in the 60’s or so of carrying my father through one of the deepest, darkest times in his life and her music would always come on the radio at just the right time. I grew up singing her songs and hearing them all the time. I am 43 and her music has blessed and touched me more times than I can recall. You will truly be missed Dottie Rambo!!!
Ms. Dottie Rambo was an inspiration to so many people. Growing up in the Christian circles, I heard so many of her songs, and eventually began to play quite a few myself. I was priveldged to meet her at Community Gospel in Houston Texas. What a blessing she was as she preached and sang at our revival. She truly did love all of God’s children, regardless of what other said or thought.
She will definitely be missed here on earth, but her legacy will continue for years to come as the music is passed from generation to generations.
To her family, extended family and close friends, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon Thee. May He comfort you like no one on earth can. She is finally free from pain. She has changed the words to one of her songs tho.. I Have Beheld Him.
Until we all Behold The Lamb,
Many Prayers and much love to the family.
If anyone ever made Heaven it is Dottie and now she is “teaching Angels How to Sing”
God bless you all and
God Speed Dottie.
1 . Jim and Janet Dills- May 14
Like others have said here, we too are sad about her passing. I had just “Taped” her testemony on Faith and Fame, and was so uplifted
as we listened to where she came from, all she has gone through and than to hear her say…”I feel like I am 16 again!” I was anxious to hear her new releases and see her on Christian T.V. Yes, we are sad on one hand, but on the other are celebrating with her…she is finaly ……..Home. The way it looks from here….it won’t be long,we will be comin too. Plymouth, Ind. Praying for all you.
Dottie touched so many people with her music and her love for the Lord. Only a person truly in love with the Lord could have written the beautiful songs she did. Heaven must have needed a special song so Dottie was summoned home and now heaven does surely have a sweeter spirit because she is there. She can now fully realize the words, “We Shall Behold Him.” When we get there, just imagine all the beautiful new songs waiting for us.
Dottie,in Houston concert, you shocked me by asking me to “sing a few bars honey” of a song written for my grandmother…eventually I remembered a few bars & you gave me a specially marked business card to send the song to you…regretfully I did not do that… I still have & cherish that card.Your songs projected wonderful messages to us that will never be duplicated so uniquely & bibically correct in our lifetime…it was encouragement that you were interested in my song…thanks Dottie…God bless your family,friends, fans & performers…never forgotten…a part of our eternal consciousness & we are blessed,,,love to all in Christ
In our church on Mother’s Day I sang “Mama’s Teaching Angels How to Sing” and before my song I talked about Dottie and the truth in her saying that Angels had to be taught to sing because any song about redemption or salvation would be songs that Angels can’t sing. As I was talking about Dottie and singing her song, I had no idea that she had been killed just a few hours earlier. What a loss to the world of gospel music! The only person I can think of who is even in the same league as Dottie Rambo is Fanny Crosby. How appropriate that on Mother’s Day Dottie started Teaching Angels How to Sing! I hope Reba can take comfort in knowing that while her mother is gone, her mother’s songs will literally live forever!
I know that Sheltered in the arms of God has a totally different meaning for Dottie now,because that’s where that wonderful saint of God is now sheltered in his loving arms. You will be missed greatly. I believe with all of my heart that you will continue writing songs that glorify God and your best songs are still to come.
There will never be another Dottie Rambo. I know however, that she is walking that street of Gold after having knelt at the feet of Jesus to praise Him. To be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord! We will miss Dottie and her tremendous talent. The families of the surviver’s are in our prayers and we pray for a swift recovery not only from the physical but from the emotional trauma as well. Words cannot express my feelings at the loss of this fantastic person. I’m thankful to have been touched by her music and the ministry that God blessed her with. Rest in peace Dottie. We’ll meet someday in Heaven and praise the Lord together.
“I’m gonna leave here shouting” was a prophecy given by Dottie everytime she sang this song.. and I can only imagine that she kept that promise as she “saw the bright lights shine” put on her “new shoes” and “left here shouting when her time come to go” and then stopped by and greeted all of those “standing by the river waiting for her”… and then she took her “flight like a mighty eagle” as those “hills of home began calling her.”… oh yes she has “beheld him” now “face to face” and she ran “to the rock of her salvation” and told him thanks for “restoring her soul” in this valley of death…….. our Lord will not be “rolling back the curtain of memories” for Dottie… all those painful memories are gone she is now “Sheltered in the Arms of God”
Rest in Peace Dottie.. you left many of us in tears not for you but for ourselves……..
What loss for us who remain on earth but what great gain for heaven! I can only say that my life has been blessed by her music from the beginning. I am honored to have been touched by her ministry. Sunday after Sunday singing Holy Spirit Thou Art Welcome in church and He Looked Beyond My Faults as the special. A wonderful memory and blessing that will follow me forever. Thank you Dottie for obeying God’s call. Untold millions, myself included, have been blessed by your willingness to go into all the world. And now your reward as you stand forever in the presence of your King and Savior. We will meet one day as sisters and I will tell you then, IT WAS NOT IN VAIN.
May the Lord be with her family. May the Lord Jesus Christ sustain and confort you in this difficult time. My hope and prayer is that they remember that we will all meet again in heaven with Jesus and God, the Father.
I’m deeply saddened by the death of Dottie Rambo. I first became acquainted with Dottie in the early 60’s. My parents and big sister sang together in a trio and performed with the Gospel Echoes on one or two occasions. I was just a little girl but, how well I remember the impact Dottie had on me. I wanted to be just like her–she was stunningly beautiful. I wanted to sing like her (she had the voice of an angel), play the guitar like her, smile like her, wear my hair like her. I wanted to BE Dottie Rambo. I idolized her.
As I grew into a teenager, Dottie remained my favorite singer. My twin sister and I formed our own trio with our big sister during these years, and we sang so many Dottie Rambo songs. My favorite may well have been, “One More River.” I had the lead on that one and always hoped I sounded a little like Dottie. I didn’t, of course, but I hoped I did anyway.
As an adult, my admiration and respect for Dottie only grew. I became aware of some of the personal and physical struggles she endured, and her ability to keep going never ceased to amaze me. She never gave up. She never quit. And above all, she never neglected the gift that God had given her. Through every storm, she seemed to rise stronger each time. She was one amazing woman.
The songs Dottie penned are some of the greatest gospel songs ever written, period! What an incredible talent and gift she possessed. Her love for the Lord was obvious in all of her songs, her longing for heaven apparent. The world has lost an incredible lady. I mourn her death, but it’s comforting to know that she died doing what she loved to do.
May God bless and comfort those closest to her, and may God strengthen those who were injured during this tragic accident. My prayers are with you all.
DOTTIE’S WALKIN’ IN NEW SHOES AND TEACHING ANGELS HOW TO SING
What an amazing Lady Dottie Rambo was!
There are no words to describe the sadness I share with so many others that she is now gone from us, but Thank God we had her! No one in ANY field of music could put a song together, or touch more people with just one song than Dottie Rambo. Words and music as meaningful and beautiful as hers are a gift from God through people’s souls and Dottie must have been his main vessel.
I grew up in Southern Gospel Music traveling with the Sego Brothers and Naomi and was privileged to work many shows with Dottie and “The Rambos”. Dottie wrote the Gospel the way it’s supposed to be. So incredibly encouraging and inspiring, never condescending, judgmental, or exclusionary. Her words and music literally saved my life more than one time, as I’m sure they did many others. “This Is My Valley”, “Too Much To Gain To Lose”, “In the Valley He Restoreth My Soul”, “Sheltered In the Arms of God” and so many others have and always will be a part of my life and my strength when I feel I can’t take another step. Dottie had a way of climbing back up from the bottom and through her songs showed others they not only could, but they MUST!
I can’t help but be overwhelmed with sadness to know she is gone, but I rejoice in the knowledge that her trials are now over and SHE is safely “Sheltered In the Arms of God”. Also that He gave us such a wonderful Lady with an amazing voice that surely touched more people in 74 years than any other human being that ever walked this Earth.
Earth’s devastating loss is Heaven’s gain.
“This house of flesh is but a prison
Bars of bone hold my soul
But the doors of clay are gonna burst wide open!
When the Angels set my spirit free!
I’ll take my flight like the mighty eagle
When the Hills of Home start calling me…”
Bruce A. McGuire
nashbruce@aol.com
i know dottie, is in heaven. sure as the sun, will shine. she was such a gem, she shined inside and out. her love for the lord and others. was as bright, as the sunrise and the sunset. dottie, was there for me and my family. when we lost our mom, Irene Marie. and brother, Terry Lynn. in 2006. brainstem stroke/ prostate cancer. she called us. wrote us. prayed for us. and kept in touch, till her passing. she sent me, the must beautiful bible. she wrote, such a heartfelt message, in it! sent my youngest sister, Linda Kay. whom has been in a wheelchair, sent birth. some of her cd’s. dottie, was like a mom, to us all. we cried, a million tears, so that river leads us, to heaven, to her and our mom. they both were women, of great faith. prasie, the lord. how beautiful heaven, must be with them in it. to all her family, and friends. you are all near, in our heart, thoughts and prayers. 24/7.
the lord bless, and keep you all. in his love and grace. ronda kay and lily jane. aunt betty, father, vernon, brothers, ricky, michael and rodney. sisters, karen kay, brenda kay and linda kay.
email is rondakmonticello@aol.com
or address is ronda kay cornwell
701 south cedar street
monticello, iowa 52310
I was saddened to hear of Dottie’s death, but heaven is rejoicing over its gain. She was a very prolific songwriter. I will miss her spirit.
I grew up singing “He Looked Beyond My Faults” and never even knew it had “other words” until I was a young adult. That’s how much we loved and sung her music. I still think of her when I write and sing my own songs. Rest In Peace, Dottie. You were a pioneer for women and a great artist.
DOTTIE TAUGHT ALL OF US HOW TO TRULY WORSHIP & PRAISE OUR LORD AND SAVIOR. SHE WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO, BUT IN A BETTER PLACE AND FOR ETERNITY. I’M PRAYING FOR YOU THE FAMILY IN THE DAYS AND MONTHS TO COME…SHE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL.
My husband made the comment that Dottie would have never quit what she was doing, not as long as there was breath in her body, and God had to take her home with Him just to get her to rest. What an amazing blessing, to go to sleep in a bed thinking you’re going to wake up in TX and get to sing about Jesus, and wake up in Heaven in the arms of the Saviour! I can imagine God saying to Dottie as she looked into His face – “Well done, my good and faithful servant, well done.” She is the lucky one.
I’m praying for Dottie’s beloved daughter and her family, as well as those who were in the crash with Dottie, that God would bless them with healing and comfort.
Now Reba can sing “Mama’s Teaching Angels How to Sing”.
if any woman made her calling her life it was sister dottie she was truely a pioneer in pentecost and in the message of salvation , she as david had a heart after gods own heart and a way to reach his hand to move in many lives, she is now resting sheltered in the hands of jesus as he is rocking her for every trial she sustained in life. God bless you my Sister Dottie
I don’t have the words to describe how my life was blessed by Dottie’s many songs through the years.God’s powerful presence could be felt when playing a tape or CD or if someone actually was singing live. What a wonderful treasure God had placed within Dottie, I’m so glad she could use these gifts to bless the world.Her music will continue to minister to hearts, and lives will be changed for eternity.Thanks Dottie
With sadness I heard of Dottie’s passing. She impacted Gospel music so dramatically and her legend will be greatly missed! We have indeed lost a great songwriter and singer. I first started listening to Christian music back in the early 80’s. I listened to Sandi Patti singing We Shall Behold Him as one of he early songs I can remember. I heard Dottie’s name mentioned often but never realized until recently the songs that she had brought to our anxiously awaiting ears, souls, and hearts. As she runs the streets of Heaven today, I want to say with all my heart-Dottie, THANK YOU for letting God’s hand lead yours in writing the songs that impact our daily lives and those of all who hear them. Thank you for helping lead many to Jesus through your music. As you are meeting the people in Heaven, how many must be thanking you right now as they see you for helping them come to Jesus. You have indeed changed our lives for the better.
We will be forever indebted to Dottie for all the songs she has written. We may have lost her, but God has gained her and she will forever live on in our hearts.
dottie rambo is the person that i have watched on tv and i believe that dottie rambo has changed mylife to surrender mylife to god and to get rid of sins that i have commited and i love her and i wish you were you were still here dottie rambo thank you for your music my favortie song is love letters by dottie rambo
Dottie Rambo’s music has and will forever continue to touch my life. When I’m weak, I can listen to her music and God is present.
Cannot wait to meet her one day!
My heart goes out to Dottie’s family and also everyone injured in the wreck. I was shocked and heartbroken to hear of Dottie’s death. I recently lost both of my parents from a car accident. Dottie’s music has been a source of healing and joy for me.
Dottie was one of the most annointed Christian singers . She will be missed by so many. Heaven has gained a beautiful, special Angel. Dottie, please go and find my parnets. Sing for both of them. They loved you as much as me.
As a teenager in the late 60’s early 70’s, I thought Dottie Rambo was the greatest. I looked up to her as an example of a christian lady and the my sisters and I had a trio who sang many of the Rambos’ songs. She remained the “lady” til the end and she will be so greatly missed by everyone connected to gospel music.
Faye
Certainly, Dottie is now with the rock of her Salvation, her Savior and Lord. As she ha sang so many times, We shall behold Him, I believe she’s now in the presence of the Lord. Sure we have mixed emotions, because we will miss Dottie, but we also know that she is in a better place, but I take this opportunity to encourage the family and the body of Christ with these words from the scripture: The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with the archangel’s voice and with God’s trumpet and those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first,(Dottie) afterward we th living who are surviving will, together with them be caught away in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we shall always be with the Lord. May you find comfort in these words to sustain you in the days ahead.
This dear woman gave me encouragement to keep pressing on when nothing else could help. The depth within her music tapped into the richest of oil, for the Balm of Gilead was then poured upon my wounded soul. The impact on me was magnified by the suffering she was personally going through, and a strange beauty and fragrance from her music was released within me because of this; I knew that if she could praise our Lord in these painful times, I could also.
My joy unspeakable and full of Glory for Dottie… is that she is now Home FREE ~ In her physical death her music is even more explosive, and the Lord knew this. How we need a touch from Him in a way that penetrates deeper than any thing in the natural can manifest. Until that day when, like dear Dottie, “We Shall Behold Him.”
so sorry to hear about Dotti’s death.
I have last seen her in Fl. on the Jim Bakker Show, end of April 2008
she is a beautiful child of god, and she will be missed very much
with her beautiful songs
We love you and will miss you Dotti
Loretta in Ma,
FAMILY OF DOTTIE RAMBO:
HER SINGING AND WRITING GOSPE SONGS WILL
BE CONTINUED IN HEAVEN…SORRY ABOUT YOUR
GREAT LOSS, MAY THE COMFORTER OF ALL
COMFORTS HELP YOU IN THESE SAD DAYS,
Christian Love,
Shirley McAfee
Arnold, Mo.
I can only think of Dottie and Vestel singing before our Savior that they so many times they blessed us by singing about.
She HAS beheld HIM!
Our Family has Loved Dottie for many years. I have dedicated a Memorial page for her at http://www.Bebo.com/Dottierambo.com
Our hearts and prayer are with the family, May God comfort them and give them the peace of God that passes all understanding.
Christian Love and Prayers!
Mark & Stephanie Miller
Freeburg,IL
THE BOYD FAMILY of Los Banos, California Wednesday, May 14, 2008 My family have loved the music your Mother has made all through the years. Back in the first of the l970’s, you and your family stopped at the Church of God in Salinas, California, and that is when we met all of you. I told my husband the other night that God’s Choir is almost completed with the older singers. After I see Jesus, my family and friends, I want to go be near the singers and listen to Vestal and Dottie, as I think they were my favorites. Our prayers are with you and will remain there for a long time. I know what it is to lose your Mother, as mine left me in l997, only to join my Daddy and all of her family to be with the Lord. Keep your chin up as you know someday you will join her and all your loved ones one day and I think that is very soon. God Bless You—Bill and Evelyn Boyd
Growing up in the late 1970’s and early 80’s, we would attend some of the all night sinigings in Charlotte NC. One of my favorite groups were the Goodmans and of course, the famous Rambo’s. As as young child I would sit four hours glued to every movement made on that stage and hung literally on every word sang. I know what my destiny was as a child, and that was to be in SGM. I have been blessed to be involved in this awesome field for 22 now, and no songs have gripped my heart like the one’s Dottie wrote. As a songwriter myself, I know the pain, the troubles, the trials that a songwriter must go through to be given the right words to pen down on paper. Dottie has inspired me as well as other greats like Kyla Rowland. I will step out on a limb and say this to everyone reading….”Women writers deserve just as much recognition as male writers”. Dottie did receive a lot of great recognition, and for that I am thankful. As for other female songwriters, keep pressing on and getting your songs out there, they need to be heard. I knew the first time I heard Vestal sing “The Holy Hill of Heaven” that I was not only intriqued with the writing of Ms. Rambo, but that God had his hand on writer and singers alike of the female gender. So ladies, keep up the good work and press on towards a higher calling. Dottie has received her reward, so let’s see if the rest of us, male and female alike, can do the same thing. Until HE comes!!!
David Smith
Albemarle, NC
if christians could have an Idol, mine would be Dottie Rambo. My mother raised me on songs like, Remind Me Dear Lord, and Amazing Grace Shall Always be my song of praise. I continue to listen to my old records to this day. I was so glad to meet her at the National Quartet Convention in 2004 and that was a life long dream for me. Now, I must wait till I reach heaven to be able to sit and sing with her. I am sure that the Lord has renewed her back to her youth and no longer will she experience back pain and a loss of voice. Rest in Peace, Ms Dottie, for you are now Sheltered in the Arms of God. I love you
I was very blessed to have grown up in a Pentecostal church in Groves, Texas and the Singing Rambo’s would come sing for us at least once a year. I was very young then but the words in the songs sang by Dottie has been with me in my adult life. For years I didn’t go to church and was living my life just the opposite way I was raised. Many times in those years away from God I would feel like I just couldn’t take it anymore and start crying out to him and the song I had heard as a child at Groves United Pentecostal Church sang by Dottie and Reba “Remind Me” always came to me when I most needed it. “Nothing good have I done to deserve God’s on son, I’m not worthy of the scares in his hand. Yet he chose the road to calvary to die in my stead, so remind me, remind me dear lord. Roll back the curtains of memory now and then, show me where you brought me from and I could have been. Remember that I’m human and humans forget so remind me, remind me dear Lord”. Those might not even be the right words but it’s the words I remember that helped me when I felt like I couldn’t go on. I thank God that I had the privledge of hearing this wonderful womans music some 40 years ago and it had such an impact in my life.
I was saddened by the news of Dottie dying so “young”. But at the same time, I know that she is now “Beholding the Savior” face to face! I have been raised in the Gospel Circuit since I was a child. My dad sang bass for many years with different quartets, so I was rasied listening to Dottie and more great legends such as Howard & Vestal Goodman, Jake Hess, James Blackwood and many more. Can you imagine what a Homecoming it was for all these great gospel legneds to welcome Dottie home! She will be missed, but one day we shall rejoice are God’s throne together, AND WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE!! Know that our prayers are with the family of Dottie and also for those who suffered injuiries and are in the hospital along with their familes!
I am 58 years old…I met the Rambos at Christ Temple in Huntington, W. Va. in 1965 and they have played a major part in my life through all these years; especially Dottie.
My heart is broken and ( not to be too dramatic ), will NEVER mend. When I absolutely did not want to go on something she wrote or said gave me strength.
She was beautiful; sweet; annointed; talented in many ways and an Angel that walked on this Earth. I really feel that there will never and can never be another Dottie Rambo. God only made on!!!
With tears in my eyes I say; “I love you Dottie and I will sorely miss you”. I surely hope your “mansion sits near the Throne”.
Dottie and her music have had such strong influence in my life. I had the priviledge to play piano for her in Sept 2007 at a concert in Louisville, KY. Someone at the church knew me and knew that I could play. They called me up on stage out of the audience to play for her. Dottie had already hit the point in concert where she’d taken off her shoes (one of her many eclectic mannerisms!) She wanted to sing “He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw my Need”. Now – This is a classic that I’ve known since I was a small child. Piece of cake – so I thought! I started gliding over those keys like a virtuoso in the key of C. The monitors were not on and I was about 15 feet from Dottie. I could not hear her very well. She sings about 1/2 the first verse and stops in mid-phrase and says” Oooh child – that is TOO high! Can you drop it down some” Now even tho I have a music degree, I’ve never been great at on-the-spot transposition – especially with a live audience waiting and watching.
I shifted down to the key of “G” and that was the right key for Dottie. BUT – In the tension of the on-the-spot transposing – I played the song like a man that had been victim of a horrible chainsaw accident. My fingers were like nubs the rest of the way through. I think I got all the big parts right, but some of my transitional stuff was pretty off! We got through the song and amazingly the audience seemed quite moved. Glad that they were focusing on Miss D and not me!
After the concert I apologized profusely for messing up the song. Dottie just smiles and thanks me for being willing to come up on the spot like I did. We took a picture together and I thanked her profusely again for what her music and persona had meant in mine and my family’s life. I was raised on the 3-part harmony of her songs. Dottie’s not “Homesick” anymore! What an amazing woman. I will miss her greatly!
You know…
Although I had never spoken to Dottie personally, I still considered her a friend. Especially after last week. Please let me explain. For a long time I had been going through such a deep, dark valley. For the life of me, I could not find my way out. I could not understand what was going on, because I was always the one to help others be encouraged. I was the one who was trying to help others come through there valleys…Then I realized-I was stuck in my own valley, with no way out. I felt like I could not talk to any of my friends about it, because they would not understand. They’re used to this guy who is always happy and encouraging…Plus, I knew that they have never came close to feeling the pain that I was going through…I even felt like I could not talk to God, because I thought I had blown my chances with Him…The Devil is a lie…But…There was one person I really talked to about my problem, and that was Dottie Rambo.
In the letter I sent her, I also thanked her for the music, and her working for the Lord. I thanked her for making a way for all of us who is on the same road as her. I told her which songs ministered to me the most, and you know…It was worth going through going through EVERY OUNCE of that HURT and PAIN just to KNOW that she knew how I felt about her.
Dottie-You’re up there teaching Angels how to not only sing, but write. I was really looking forward to you coming to West Virginia so we could meet…However, God had a different plan…But I know that one day soon we meet in God’s Country…And I’m waiting for that day.
I had the honor of meeting Dottie a few years ago at the NQC. It was as if we were old friends, she just loved everybody. I have a picture of us together which I treasure. I am 53, I listened to Dottie when I was a girl. She inspired me to write and to sing. I loved her then, and I love her now. She will be missed, but isn’t heaven sweeter with her being there! Today I am a singer/songwriter/minister/pastor. I have used her songs in ministry for years, I have sang her songs at many funerals, her songs reach to the very soul of man. She could write about needing shelter in the arms of God, and if my heart were a window you could look through, then Oh the pain and scars you would see, because she had lived it, she had been there. She loved her Jesus, and she wasn’t afraid to tell anyone who would listen….
i saw dottie and reba in middletown, ohio for the first time live, when i was twenty years old i have never forgotten that song mama,s teaching angels how to sing and remind me too. thanks to all the wonderful songs she wrote. i guess she is singing with the angels and my momma up there big time in heaven for them. i will pray for the entire family that is left behind. i lost my mom on the 15 of may 2007. so i can relate.
sharon loveday
dandridge, tn.
When the Lord saved me in 1972, I was in a rock-n-roll band playing the dance/club circuit. When we we on the same venue of any “popular” band, we could not even get close to them or meet them…they were the “stars or headliners”. I went to my first Bill Heffner All Night Easter Singing at the Charlotte NC Coliseum to hear the best in Gospel Music…the Thrashers, the LeFevers, the Speers and, of course, the Rambos. I was amazed that, during the intermissions, I could go to the product tables and walk right up to Dottie Rambo herself. I knew I was gonna like Gospel Music and those people. Went to see Dottie, Buck & Reba (and Donnie later) many times and continue to attend the Gaither Gatherings and the Quartet Convention (Lousiville KY) today. My biggest memory was witnessing a women telling Dottie that she wrote songs too and asked Dottie, “How have you been able to wright so many songs?”. Dottie lovingly taught her, and me, an important lesson. Dottie asked, “have you sung your songs, have you given them to others to sing, have you published them? The lady answered no to all questions. Dottie told her, ” If God can’t trust you to use what He has given, he will give them to someone else!” Sing your songs…I have been doing that ever since. Thank you Dottie.
As a kid, I collected Country music albums and 45s, but began an extensive Southern Gospel music collection when I got saved at the age of 12.
My first two GOSPEL albums ever purchased were “At Home in Indiana” by the Bill Gaither Trio and “An Evening with The Rambos.” That is the album that has “The Holy Hills of Heaven” and “Too Much to Gain to Lose” as 2 selections.
My heart-felt sympathy goes out to Reba & Donnie, other family members and Dottie’s traveling companions and their families during this time of sorrow. While it is sad the way Dottie died, it is with joy that we know where she is . . . and that her physical suffering is over.
Dottie Rambo has left a tremendous legacy of GREAT GOSPEL SONGS that will have the same ETERNAL LIFE as Dottie now has in Heaven.
I am SO GLAD that NUMEROUS RAMBOS ALBUMS are now part of my gospel collection. I shall cherish them even more now.
Reba, “Mama IS (now) teaching angels how to sing,” and how to write as only she could. She and Eddy Arnold, who died last week, have probably already struck up a duet.
Randy Stafford
Danville VA
I never had the pleasure of seeing Dottie in concert, but have seen her on T.V. many times, sang her songs in/out of church, and loved her music from a small child growing up in the Southeast Missouri area.
She will be greatly missed by all different sectors of music
She truely was a blessing and she is “beholding HIM” as we speak.
.
My favorite song of Dottie Rambo’s is “There’s Nothing My God Can’t Do.” A friend of hers told me the story behind it, and it has inspired me for many years. We have used so many of her songs in worship. I was especially touched when Anthony Burger died playing “We Shall Behold Him,” and Dottie wrote a blog to his family and friends. A great songwriter, she and her music will be missed.
Dottie Rambo was a much loved, gifted, & anointed woman of God. Her sweet presence captured my attention every time she was on Christian TV. Dottie gave me much hope for my own circumstances as she rejoiced in the goodness of God. Her incredible strength both physically and spiritually amazed me.
I love you Reba and extend my prayers to you and your family, your mother has touched us all~
A BIG CROWN FOR A LITTLE LADY
Dottie Rambo has earned more stars for her crown than any of us can imagine. I first met Buck and Dottie Rambo when Reba along with André Crouch, Sonlight, and Randy Mathews came to Indiana University in the early 70’s. I had invited Randy Mathews to sing at the Student Union of I.U. in hopes of opening doors for witnessing for Jesus on campus. André, Reba, and Sonlight were singing at a church in Indianapolis and someone invited me to go and hear this “new” talent pool of Christian music. At the end of their concert I invited them all to join us at Indiana University for a Jesus Concert. As a result of their witness hundreds of students came to faith in Jesus. Since Reba was traveling with her parents I had the privilege of meeting her parents Buck and Dottie Rambo.
I was a relatively new Christian at this time and also very bold in my witness for Jesus. When Buck saw the enthusiasm and boldness in my witness he started asking me questions about my background. The subject led to a conversation about gospel music. I told him I didn’t know much about gospel music I only knew the songs we sang on campus when the “freaks” got together. It was then that he invited me to come to Nashville, stay at their house and have one of the greatest opportunities to witness ever. He said because I didn’t know any of the gospel artists I wouldn’t be in awe of their fame and would have greater freedom to witness. He then began to explain to me that music is a business whether it is Classical, Rock, Jazz, Pop, or Gospel. He said people go into the music business because they see themselves as entertainers. They are as a group outside of the reach of a gospel witness because they are on the road so much. It was then that Dottie asked if she could “lay hands on me” for the power of a bold and true witness while I would be in Nashville, I agreed (even though I new nothing about the laying on of hands) and the rest is history. While attending a dinner party at their home and attending the Dove Award rehearsals I was presented with many opportunities to witness for Jesus. I discovered that even gospel performers and their bands needed the touch of Jesus. They needed to know him personally not just be a member of a church or performing gospel music. After the Dove awards were over and the performers were gone Dottie said she had seen several of the performers and many of their second generation children performing with them changed by the touch of Jesus as a result of my witness. She and Buck then laid hands on me again and prayed for my future ministries.
When Buck told me his testimony of how Dottie had stood by him even though he was wavering in his faith and trust of Jesus that I saw the power of Christ in this lady. I thought it was Buck that was the giant of the faith and here it was this tiny lady with the radiance of Jesus shining for all to see that was the real giant of faith. It will take a very big crown to hold all the stars the Lord gave her when she arrived in heaven for her reunion with Buck and their Lord Jesus. Thank you Dottie for listening to His voice so the rest of us could hear Him speak through your songs.
Jerry Uppling, Ph.D.
Montoursville, PA
“A TRIBUTE TO DOTTIE RAMBO”
HER HEART WAS FILLED WITH LOVE
SHE WAS A SINGER AND SONG WRITER
WITH ALL HER HEART AND SOUL
THAT LOVE IN HER HEART CAME FROM GOD ABOVE
IF YOU EVER FELT DOWN AND LOW
ALL YOU HAD TO DO IS LISTEN TO A DOTTIE RAMBO SONG
YOU WERE BLESSED FROM HEAD TO TOE
YOU COULD TELL SHE LOVED THE LORD VERY MUCH
THROUGH HER SONGS
YOU COULD FEEL HIS TOUCH
IF YOU LISTEN TO THE RADIO VERY LONG
OR HEARD A GOSPEL SINGER SINGING
YOU COULD RECOGNIZE A DOTTIE RAMBO SONG
SHE WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH
SHE HAS GONE HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD
SHE WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED
WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE HER SONGS TO BE REMEMBERED
SHE IS GONE TO RECEIVE HER REWARDS UP ABOVE
SO LONG MISS DOTTIE RAMBO
OUR HEARTS ARE FILLED WITH YOUR LOVE
TILL WE MEET AGAIN IN HEAVEN ABOVE
BY: TERRY HUGHES
GOD gave DOTTIE RAMBO a gift to share with all of us.Now as we will all miss her greatley,SHE SHALL BEHOLD HIM .
The only emotion I felt when hearing the news of Dottie Rambo’s accident was profound sadness. I first saw them in person in the 60’s when they were the “Gospel Echoes” and Shirley was with them (before Reba started singing with them). I still have one of those albums with “Wake me, Wake me, Shake me Lord” and “It’s all Because of Sin”, etc. I collected every one of their albums through the years, including “Down by the Creekbank” and Reba’s “Resurrection”. I am now 53 years old and am saving Down by the Creekbank for a grandchild (of which I do not yet have).
My mind then remembered a humorous story. In the 70’s I had a major operation and my mom heard on the radio that they were giving away a Rambo poster with the purchase of the soundtrack. My mom is the epitome of a lady, extremely conservatively dressed with her Pentecostal hair-do, etc. She went into Warehouse Records (which was a hip shop) and asked for the Rambo album and poster. I can only imagine her reaction with the guy produced a Sylvester Stallone poster as “Rambo”. I think Dottie would have laughed at this true story. I’ve been playing the old albums all week and still can’t believe she’s not with us. She has, however, achieved her reward and we are still striving for ours. Thanks for the many hours of wonderful music, Dottie. We will always love you!!
Dottie Rambo…….what can I say, we are going to miss you!!!! My early childhood in North Carolina has some wonderful memories of the The Singing Rambo’s. On one weekend we saw them on Friday night in eastern NC and the next night in Charlotte. Over the years the words to many of the songs Dottie wrote has inspired me an helped me in many situations I have been in. I thank the Lord for Dottie’s ministry here on earth. I know that even now she’s in Heaven teaching the angels a new song for that Homecoming Day when we all shall be together forever!!!!!! Jesus you picked a beautiful flower!!!!!!! Thank you Lord for sharing Dottie with us!!!!!!! Jon n Atlanta
Life is strange in many ways and we do not understand why certain events take place. I was watching videos last Saturday night and saw Dottie, Reba, Buck and Donny singing “Build Me a Cabin and later on a Gaither video I saw Vestal Goodman and Dottie singing “The Holy Hills” and Anthony Burger playing “We Shall Behold Him” and then I saw Sandi Patty sing “We Shall Behold Him.” Before I went to sleep I thought “It just keeps getting better.” It seemed that all of the videos I watched of Dottie that night were about Heaven. I could not believe my eyes when I clicked on my Computer Sunday at noon and read of the accident. My prayers and concern goes out to Reba, Donny, Destiny and Israel. Your loved one now will be waiting in her ‘Cabin Next Door To Jesus”. God Bless all of you and especially those injured in the bus crash. Thank you for sharing this lovely woman who blessed so many hearts with her music.
Though my music may defer from hers. Dottie’s songwriting has been an inspiration to my own music, and I’ll always remember her as a strong lady with the strength of the God guiding her.I’ve never seen her personally but the Truth that God gave her in her songs were explanatory enough to tell the compassionate heart, and vision she had. Very seldom is there anyone in Gospel Music that can be considered unique in their music, and songwriting, so much that even her secular peers took notice.
Dottie, I can only imagine the sights you are seeing now. I was reading about the Garden of Eden today before learning of your departure, and thinking how peaceful it must have been to walk in the cool of the day with the LORD, and the ground not yet cursed with the Tree of Life, and all the peaceful streams making the sound of praise unto the LORD. As I read that I thought, Oh I can’t wait!! And to think with our Jesus as the Carpenter of our mansions. No sin, just love!! Well you’re beyond that place, and I hope you will remember me, as I do you down here. Thank you for being obedient to God, had you not, we’d been denied a new genre of music.
My prayers go out to you Reba, you yourself are a talented songstress, only the kind that your mama could raise.I saw you in 1994 with your husband Donny, and it changed my life, and it is through your ministry I discovered your mother’s music. Please don’t cry for Dottie, let’s understand that she is waiting for you and yours to reunite with her. I know you know that.
Feel free to e-mail me if there is anything I can do.
I love you all.
In His Service,
Mike Scully
Many of Dottie songs have kept running through my mind
over the past days since hearing of her death, I often think of the messages and apply them to eveyday living, just knowing someday
over there, all this down here wont matter anymore. I bet with her and Vestal singing up there heavens angels are getting a lesson in singing. God Bless her family and friends, and I pray that God eases
the pain of their loss, but that they are reminded that someday there will be a reunion, where no tears will stain the streets of that city.
I only knew Dottie through her songs and watching her televised appearances. Her songs spoke to my heart many times when I needed encouragement and comfort. When I sang in church I would often sing one of her songs. My favorite was “In the Valley He Restoreth My Soul.” I give her the greatest tribute I can- She was God’s servant giving joy to all of us who listened! Thank you Dottie and thank you to her family for sharing her with us her Christian family.
Reba, Dony, family and friends, My sincere love and prayers are with you during this time of tragic loss. Dottie certainly will be missed by all.
When my husband woke me Sunday morning to tell me we had lost my favorite singer and song writer I was in a state of shock. I cried all day. Having so many of her songs I feel as if a part of my family has gone on to be with the Lord.
Though we cry and miss her we knowing through the words of her songs, Dottie is where she would want to be. I hope God did give her a mansion next door to Jesus as she wrote in one of her songs.
Reba our family grieves with you and all your family. The songs Dottie has left us with will go on till the end of times.The gift Dottie gave to this world is nothing like the gift she brings to Heaven.
Though she will always be missed. We will Glory in the Cross that she is now with our Savior and Lord, the one who gave her the wonderful talent to give the world great words of our Jesus and his love for all of us.So now that you are in Heaven Dottie you can sing and praise our sweet Lord.To know you are no longer in any pain and you are walking streets of Gold will help us in our grief.
We will always remember you.For now you are where Tears will never reach the streets of heaven. We will always miss you but we have so many of your CD’s to still hear your sweet sweet voice and wonderful words.
Reba we will be praying for comfort for your family in the weeks to come. Rejoice that you had a godly mother blessed with a wonderful gift from God. I was blessed with a mom who was a minister.She went to be with the Lord 10 years ago at age 73. I know how your heart feel.Just remember Joy comes in the morning .
God’s riches blessing on you and all your family.
Brenda & Dallas /Jax.Fl.
I, like so many, grew up “knowing” Dottie Rambo not in person but in her glorious music. In 2007, I had an opportunity to meet Dottie and she was truly just like everyone has said friendly, warm and caring.
My thoughts and prayers to Dottie’s family, the families of those injured and all those touched by this tragedy.
“One more valley one more hill one more trial one more tear one more curve in life’s road maybe one more mile to go I can lay down my heavy load when I get home.”
I first saw the Rambos as a child. I can still remember seeing Reba and Dottie sitting on the other side of the gym, they had own long black dresses with a headpiece on and I thought they were nuns. But I’ll never forget that concert from then on I loved to listen to them and I wanted to sing just like Dottie Rambo. She reflected Christ in everything she did. The spirit of God could be felt so strongly every time she spoke or sang. I loved her openess and honesty. You never knew what she was going to say. She made you feel like you were family just in for a visit. She truly was a “Woman after God’s own heart”. She will be missed terribly. Our prayers are with the family and the others that were on the bus. God Bless.
We feel like we’ve lost a family member. We were privileged to sing in the same radio station for several years with our family when the Rambos sing with The Archer Family at Jasper, IN in the 1950’s. Reba & I sat in the lobby at the radio station waiting for our families to finish their broadcast. We were only toddlers then. Our family has sang many of Dottie’s songs over the years and want the family to know how sad we are for them but know God will sustain them through this time. Our prayers are with them all.
One of my favorite memories is from Blgtn, IN when The Rambos were singing with The Goodmans and Vestal was singing The Holy Hills and Dottie came out on stage and finished the song with her. The presence of God was so present in that auditorium at I.U. She’ll surely be missed by all.
DOTTIE—YOU ARE SINGING WITH THE LORD NOW–BUT WE WILL MISS YOU–YOUR SONGS MIGHTLY BLESSED US AND KEPT US NEAR TO THE LORD FOR MANY YEARS. MARCIA AND JERRY PANNELL,NIXA,MO.
Beth ___ May 15, 2008
What an honor to have been blessed with Dottie. She has touched so many lives through the years and gosh its so unfathomable to have lost such a saint and a woman of valor who never waivered nither or fro. Nope she never did even through all the back surgeries and she was out of commision I remember her when she first came on tbn after the last back surgery and how wonderful it was to have seen God raise her up again. Wow what a miracle her life was. The last thing I can rememeber as I was watchin the tribute she said You know Paul and Jan I never did anything unless God went before me and I did all that God had me to do UNASHAMEDLY. I wonder how many of us can truly say that. Goodness. This precious lady Dottie will be missed through out time. And you know what she is Beholding Jesus right now!
With much deep sympathies
Beth from San Gabriel California
Gospel Music has lost a giant. Dottie Rambo will be remembered as the best writer in Gospel Music history. I met Dottie in the late 1960’s and was impressed by her talent and down to earth style. Dottie is singing with the angels (my mother and father included) so she is happier than ever before. Our prayers go out to the family and those close to Dottie Rambo. The Holy Spirit will comfort you for this loss! But it’s only for a little while. We are praying for those that were injured in this accident as well. May God bless you. The Dottie Rambo era will be remembered as a time when giants walked the earth. Dottie Rambo will be remembered a a Rushmore type figure in Gospel Music as well as the music industry in general. God Bless Dottie Rambo!!!
Grew up listening to Dottie Rambo and Vestal Goodman.. Dottie will be missed dearly had the pleasure of playing for her on state in Morganfield.. she was a very spiritual lady when she walked out on stage or before a church group the anointing was there… she had a calling on her life that was truely from God..all her songs had it’s on speical touch to her and to all who heard them.. My grandson of 11 will miss her as well he loves to hear her… Now both Dottie and Vestal are walking on those streets of gold waiting for the rest of God’s children to arrive home.. God Bless the Family as they go through this time in life.. also want to thank LARRY her manager for taking such good loving care of Miss Dottie..and my prayers go out to his family on the days to come.. God Bless you Larry and the team.
The first time I heard the Rambo’s was in the 1970’s when a guy from our small town started driving their bus. They would come to another small town nearby in Blue Eye, MO to sing and the school gymnasium would be packed. There wasn’t much going on in our area, and having the Rambo’s come sing was a big thrill for our community. I was a little girl during those years, and my older sister and I would play like we were the Rambo’s. We would spend hours playing the piano and singing the songs we’d heard at their concerts. Problem was, we’d fight over who got to “be” Dottie. Both of us wanted to be Dottie and sing her part. One of our favorite songs was “When I lift up my head and He lifts up my heart and my troubles just all roll away…” My sister would try to bribe me to be Reba, saying that my voice was higher so I could sing her part better. One of the last times they came and sang at Blue Eye, my sister was in high school and Reba came to her English class and spoke. What a thrill that was for my sister. Dottie’s voice range was the same as mine, and over the years I’ve loved singing many of her songs – both at church and at home. I know that she had influence on more people than she ever realized. There are many who never had the opportunity to meet her, yet were touched by her voice and music.
I was first introduced to Dottie Rambo by my cousin Shirley Beecham back in the sixties. Shirley and Dottie had been friends since the days of the “Gospel Echo’s”. I myself had recently began playing and singing gospel music and Dottie’s songs began to take over in my life. I was 18 then and I am now 58 and through the years without a doubt I have and still do sing more of her songs than any other artist. Some of my fondest memories were being at the old “Ellis Auditorium” in Memphis where at one time Gov. Jimmie Davis had come to hear the Rambo’s and I was introduced to him. Another time Jerry Lee Lewis showed up and soon after recorded an album with some of Dottie’s songs on it. Still another time Elvis showed up there. I had and still have every album that the Rambo’s and her have put out, which I am converting to CD’s. You really never know the impact a person has on your life until they are not here any longer, so true is is in my lifetime with Dottie, “What a impact”. Thank you Dottie for your unwavering Christian Holy Spirit inspired life and works! You Are So very missed. Dottie, you now are certainly, “Sheltered Safe Within the Arms of God”!!!
Thank you, Dottie!!!!!
My Prayers go out to the Family of Ms. Dottie Rambo. She was indeed a great woman of songs, and inspiration! I was certainly blessed to hear her sing some great songs, and my heart was deeply sad, when i found out about the accident and death of Sis. Rambo… God Bless you, and remember that Earth has no sorrow, that Heaven cannot heal…
Yours truly,
Evangelist Michael Johnson, Jr.
Truly will miss the legendary Ms. Dottie Rambo!!!!!
What a blessed gift to the Body of Christ she was with her powerful passion for singing. I loved to see her on TBN with that beautiful smile and her zest for life that came across the airwave when she was singing or just talking about the great things that God was doing in her life. I am praying for the family and for all of those involved in the accident.
May God Bless and Keep you all in His perfect peace!!!
When the catagory 4 tornado struck Jackson Tn, the danger was so close that it shook me to my core. The Lord comforted me at that time with Dottie Rambo’s song, “Sheltered in the Arms of God”. Dottie Rambo has influenced my life tremendously with her music. God Bless her family.
I had the greatest privilege in my lifetime when I was able to meet Dottie and shake her hand. She is one of the most caring persons and one of the greatest women of God I had ever met. It was heaven on earth to be in her concerts. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family. But now Dottie is teaching angels how to sing. She taught us on earth.
86. My deepest condolences go out to Dottie’s family. I know she will be greatly missed. I loved to watch her sing on TV. She was pretty inside and out. I lost my mother on Nov.1/2007 and I know how it feels to miss your mother. I also know what it is like to rejoice in her homegoing. For Christians such as my mother and Dottie it is a bitter sweet experience. When I start to get sad I remind myself of my mothers eternal home and how happy she is. Dottie and my mother are both in the presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Our little finite minds can’t grasp the glorious occassion this is. We have the promises so we know it is true. We must be ready at all times so we can go be with them. They have preached their own funerals by the way they lived. Now let us all do the same.
Corlis and Datha (Pugh) Dees II, and Children – Misty, Corlis III, and Elizabeth and My Mother- Marvelle Dees -May 15, 2008.
All I could say when called about the sudden suprise home going of you Dearest Dottie was,,,,, OH My! Even though I know it is a bright new glorious day for you being with the ONE you loved the most…. but, oh how we will miss you!!!!!!!!!! I will never forget the day I first met you at the Texas Camp Meeting in East Texas and you inspired a part of me to “sing” and preach with a style and a manner that I had always felt deep in my soul. At that time in the 60’s there weren’t too many who were still hanging a guitar around their necks and allowing the Holy Spirit to flow in true Country Gospel. If it had not been for you and Chester Hensley… I supposed I would not be still in the ministry today… singing much the same way… even though it is not “POP” its the way I like to sing. I wish I could tell of all the times that I enjoyed hear you and the ole trio sing… First time in a church was in Port Arthur Texas at Rev, Pugh’s Church…. later in ’60’s in Stockton California when I was attending Bible School and it was on a Sunday afternoon that you sang to an almost embarassing empty auditorium… and I ask you and the whole team to go with me to a restuarant (where I was working) and fed you all… we had such a great time. I think that was on one of your tours in 1968… I remember when Reba was about 13 years of age and she was just beginning to sing with the group… I drove for 2 hours to just hear you sing… I used to love the way that you would allow all the various singers to sing and then you would take the lead… and it was like “heaven” opened up and came forth from your very soul… I will never forget “Build My Mansions” you especially wrote for our friend Bro. Williams in Port Neches… I have 60 or 70 songs still in my song book that you wrote… Each one has a special personal meaning to me… I will promise you that I will keep singing them until our Lord take me home to see you… You were a great influence on me when I went through my trials…. Even though my Children never got to meet you they all know you… and we will see you in Heaven… and there better be a spot up there where we can all sing and pick and grin together.. Say hello to Chester, Buck, Jimmie, Johnny, and Tex…. and all the rest… Lot’s of eternal love… Now, to Reba, darling, I will be at the viewing… will try to find you and hug you neck… I lost my Dad in 2005 and I know in some way how you feel…. If I don’t get to see you remember you are always LOVED… Corlis L. Dees II -formerly Houston, now in Indiana
I grew up in Ohio and many times, The Rambos came to our area. My parents would take me and we would go and I don’t believe we ever missed a Rambo concert. I loved their music and when I started at the age of 9, my first song was Sheltered in the Arms of God, then Remind Me Dear Lord and I believe I sang every Dottie Rambo song while growing up. I have been in the music ministry for 27 years and last year I had the honor of singing with Dottie Rambo. She was such a sweet person to visit with, she treated me like she had known me forever. What an awesome lady! What a great woman of God! No one could write a song and then sing it like Dottie. She will be greatly missed by all of us. Thank you Dottie for having such a wonderful influence on my life.
To the family and friends,.we know where Dottie is now,but the pain and hurt of her not being here with us,is still there. Our love and prayers will always be there for you.I have always wanted to sing with her and Vestal Goodman.(even if was jammin” out.)_They are my mentors..But I will get to sing w/them in Heaven…Our group is called” The Callihan southern gospel singers”Dottie’s music and her song writing will go on forever.She was a warrior! The world is a better place because of God putting her here..God bless you all. Reba,You and your family are a blessing,always…
yours in Christ.Connie Callihan
i meet dottie for the first time last year in shamrock texas where i have lived all my life she was so amazeing i was looking so forward to comeing back to shamrock this year our family would like for the family to know how sorry we r and our prayers r with each one of u she will be greatly missed
First of all, my sympathy and prayers go out to Dottie’s family. Reba and Donny, I love you. I continue to pray for Larry and all the others that were injured in this terrible accident. No one, and I repeat, no one, could put pen to paper and paint a picture with their words like Dottie Rambo could. Her songs will live on until the Lord comes after His Church, and then we’ll sing them for eternity around God’s throne. When I suddenly lost my younger brother in 1984, I found such peace, comfort and strength in the words of Dottie’s songs, “The Holy Hills”, “Too Much To Gain to Loose”, “Tears Will Never Stain The Streets Of That City”, “Sheltered In The Arms Of God” – I could go on and on, but it would take me all night to list them all. I wrote Dottie once, and she took the time to answer me back with a personal, hand written note. I will treasure that always. Dottie was a one of a kind lady and it would be impossible to overstate the impact that she had on not only southern gospel, but sacred and religious music period. Her songs have touched the hearts and lives of millions. I’m looking forward to hearing her sing in Heaven some day. Goodbye sweet Dottie! I Will Meet You In The Morning! “March Around The Throne One Time For Me”! Michael James, Southwest Missouri
My heart hurts. I have loved Ms. Dottie for many, many years. Who on this earth wouldn’t have loved Dottie Rambo. Ms. Dottie was one of a kind. I have dreamed of meeting Ms. Dottie for as long as I can remember. My Mom who lives in Branson, MO got to meet Ms. Dottie just 3 weeks ago. I still cannot believe that the Queen has left us. Ms. Dottie was one of a kind for sure. Ms. Dottie had a very special place in my heart – even though I never got the honor to meet her. Even still – I feel like I have lost a very dear friend. I cannot wait to see Jesus and then I want to see Ms. Dottie. My thoughts and prayers are with Reba and her family and Larry and his family. Remember – when you are in Christ – death is not final – as Paul said: to live is Christ and to die is gain! Ms. Dottie weathered many storms in her life and she was a TRUE testimony of what it means to walk with Jesus Christ. And now – she is sheltered in the arms of God – she is no longer in any pain and as she told us – Tears will NEVER stain the streets of that City!
I LOVE YOU MS. DOTTIE, FOREVER AND EVER!
There will never be another Dottie Rambo! Her singing touched the chords of my heart many times. Dottie and Vestal were my inspiration as i was growing up to sing for my Lord. Dottie’s songs ministered to me where nothing else could. Its the Anointing..And this dear lady had such a powerful, God given anointing on her life and in her songs that she wrote, and in her singing.
I have sang and ministered at my church and various other places many of her songs..One that touches me so much is “OH BLESSED HOPE”..and we have that Blessed Hope that Dottie wrote about that we will one day be with our Lord.
Your work on earth has ended Dottie..” Well done thou good and faithful servant.” Our God is so pleased with you.
Reba, its hard to lose your mama. I did almost 5 yrs. ago..she was a wonderful Christian woman. Mama, was 97 yrs. young when she went to be with her Lord. She died in the arms of my oldest sister. Two days before that she was preaching about her Jesus.
You and i have a wonderful heritage that our mamas have passed on to us and our children. May the work that you are doing for our Lord continue to go on. You have a beautiful, Anointed voice given by our God to bless and minister His love and healing to others.
May the God of all comfort..Bring comfort and healing to Reba and her family, to the ones that were on the bus with Dottie, to all of her family and friends..She will be truly missesd!! Till we meet at Jesus feet..
I loved her so much. I received the baptism in the Holy Ghost at her concert in the 90’s out on Wallisville Rd. in Houston, Tx and was blessed to be able to tell her so some ten years later almost at Faith Asembly when she came back to Houston. Just a few years back I had a final chance to see and worship at a concert she did in Houston, Tx. out at Gulf Meadows church. I feel so blessed to have been in an actual service where she ministered those three times. It changed my life completely for her to have ministered where I could be under the annointing upon her and I thank God for her life touching mine. To her family-I can only imagine your loss. I hope over time the loss will dim as stories like mine are used by God to wrap you in His arms of comfort as you lean on Him and wait for your own reunion one day with your Lord and with your Mom and Grandmother. Tears will never stain the streets of that city and while here they may stain our streets, but one day there will be no more wreaths of death on any of our doors. God Bless All touched by loving Dottie and Dottie loving us back and sharing the Lord with us.
Wish could be there to give you a hug, Reba. Keep singing-the mantle has now been completely passed. May God give you His strength. Love to you and your family, Marsha Jones
Dottie was a great woman of God. I grew up listening to her music. Her music and testimony has helped me to get through very difficult times in my life. My heart is very heavy and I am saddened at such a loss. She was a great inspiration to me and I will miss her very much.
Dottie, Thank you so much for the life and example you lived. Thank you for helping me to keep going and for being a Godly influence. I cannot wait until I get to Heaven and see you next to Jesus singing with all the other singers who have gone before. My prayers go to Dottie’s family and those who were hurt in the accident.
Such a wonderful child of God, Dottie was my idol when I was just a child. My family, The Singing Gravleys, would sing her songs while we worked in our dad’s pastoral and evangelistic ministry. Mom and Dad have made it to Heaven, and I, my brother, and sister are still singing those wonderful songs that Dottie pinned. Our most requested song is “Come Spring”. I think it’s truly amazing that God chose to call Dottie home in the Spring. Reba, may God give you strength like you’ve never known. For she is a flower in the garden of God. Bless you all………….Delores Boone http://www.deloresboone.com
Dottie you were born to write and sing music.Your songs will remain in my heart forever.You are in heaven teaching angels how to sing.Reba,Donnie and grandchildren,may God give you the strength to carry on.Reba I will never forget your concert at Community Gospel in Houston Texas.God Bless you all………..Tom Benson
So sad to hear that this accident happened. The Dottie, I learned to love ,and to admire has gone home to be with Jesus and her love ones, and the many ones gone before her. She would be so concerned about all the other’s on the bus that she would want us not to greive her ,But to pray faithfully for all the other member’s of her ministry. I am 44 and yes she has touched my life with her song’s and the one thing that will always be remember of her to me is her humbleness toward the sinner. Dottie truely never met anyone that she didn’t reach out too. She had a talent to write and to sing and GOD gave it to the right one. She did use it well. Please keep us updated on how the rest are doing. I had the pleasure of meeting Larry and Ronnie. I am praying for all of them. Dottie is telling Jesus all about them, and how important they are to her. To Larry, and all the other’s I know that you are sad of the loss. But try and find comfort in knowing you have the greatest witness in heaven on your side. Her heart would be breaking if she was still here and knowing that you guys were hurt. Dottie was a gospel Legend and will be remembered for all her great works for the LORD. Larry, She would want You, Ronnie and Chris to all get well and to carry on in the name of the LORD. Thank You for your ministry ,and all the love you gave to Dottie. To GOD be the Glory for what HE is going to do in the life’s left here after the accident. I know HE has a plan.
All too often when I write I’ve used a line from a Dottie Rambo song, or used something she has said to make a point in a sermon. However, right now, my heart is broken from the loss of this great warrior in the kingdom. There are too many of words that won’t come to the surface. The only thing I can think of is what she is possibly seeing at this very moment. Maybe she’s with Vestal Goodman shouting down the streets of heaven with no walkers or canes holding them up. Or screaming with Tammy Faye who once used as a credo, “you can make it”, but now is saying “we made it”. She’s standing tall now – all 5 foot 3 inches of her, with her hands in the air joining with the elders around the throne singing “Behold The Lamb” while Jesus wipes the tears from her eyes for the last time. Or maybe she’s had every trial, heart break, betrayal, and hurt finally answered. She’s no longer singing “We shall behold Him then face to face” but she now sings “I now behold Him right here in this place”. Whatever she is now experiencing it certainly makes her journey here on this earth pale in comparison. The entire ministry is now realized, but it leaves us with a vacuum.
There has never been a time Dottie Rambo’s music has not been the background music to the soundtrack of my life. When my family traveled we were listening to Rambos 8-tracks, or cleaned the house while listening to a Dottie Rambo record, or had church along with one of her cassettes. Many times my friends have rolled their eyes as I have rattled on about Dottie’s ministry and dug through my collections of over 100 records, tapes, CD’s, and videos. I don’t suppose that will stop, but now my heart will be heavy when I speak of this Psalmist. Along with the heaviness I will remember the story of when she laid hands on my pregnant mother’s belly and prophesied over her unborn child, that I will reach people that she will never be able to reach. Or the big lipstick print left on my 15 year old little cheek when she thanked me for being her number one fan. Or her and I both crying as she signed a picture my mother purchased 30 years earlier that she didn’t have a chance to sign, because she was giving an altar call at the time. Or the thank you phone call that I received in 1998 for never giving up on her.
Her celebrity made me proud that she was reaching the world, but her perseverance inspired and gave me the courage to finally step into the calling of a minister. Her songs pulled me through when I thought God hated me. They gave me strength through the years of drug addiction. And as I sang her song, “Remind Me Dear Lord” deep wounds between my parents and I were healed when they came to visit my church for the first time.
Thank you Sister Rambo for never giving up, for walking through the valleys, for climbing the mountains, and for walking through the storms of your life even when you didn’t want to. When I get there I’m holding you to your promise that we’ll sit by the river of life and dip our feet while you tell me what was going on when God gave you all 2,500 songs.
With love as always,
Min. Scott
My prayers are with Dottie’s family and others injured on the bus.
I have always loved her songs and have attended several of her appearances. She was great.
THE ONE & ONLY TIME I SAW DOTTIE RAMBO IN PERSON WAS AT AN ALL NIGHT GOSPEL SING IN WAYCROSS, GA. AROUND 1968. I WAS ABOUT 13 YEARS OLD (I’M NOW 53) AND SHE AND HER FAMILY MADE SUCH AN IMPACT ON ME THAT I BOUGHT SOME OF THEIR MUSIC THAT VERY NIGHT. LITTLE DID I REALIZE THE TALENT DOTTIE RAMBO HAD BEEN GIVEN BY GOD TO MINISTER TO US – HIS CHILDREN.
ONE OF THE FIRST SONGS OTHER THAN ‘SHELTERED IN THE ARMS OF GOD” THAT I LEARNED OF DOTTIE’S WAS “THE PERFECT ROSE”. I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SING IT AT A CHRISMAS PLAY WE HAD AT CHURCH THAT YEAR. I HAVE BEEN SINGING MANY OF HER SONGS IN CHURCH, GOSPEL SINGS, HOME AND IN THE CAR DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY EVER SINCE. “HE LOOKED BEYOND MY FAULT”, “THE HOLY HILLS OF HEAVEN”, “ONE MORE VALLEY”,
“BUILD MY MANSION”, “IN THE VALLEY HE RESTORETH MY SOUL”, “REMIND ME DEAR LORD”, “TOO MUCH TO GAIN TO LOSE”, “HOMESICK”, AND SEVERAL OTHERS I’M SURE.
REBA IF YOU READ THIS – DO TAKE COMFORT IN WHAT A PRECIOUS WOMAN OF GOD YOUR MOTHER WAS AND HOW UNSELFISHLY SHE GAVE OF HERSELF AND SHARED THE TALENT GOD HAD ENTRUSTED HER WITH TO MINISTER TO ALL OF US – HIS CHILDREN..
I WILL ALSO BE KEEPING THOSE INVOLVED IN THE BUS ACCIDENT IN MY PRAYERS. THE “WORLD” HAS LOST A GREAT WOMAN OF GOD – BUT “HEAVEN” HAS GAINED AN ANGEL THAT WAS HERE ON EARTH FOR JUST A SHORT TIME TO HELP US FIND OUR WAY TO HIM THROUGH HER SONGWRITING, SINGING AND GUITAR PLAYING! WHAT A GIFTED LADY WHO USED HER TALENTS AND OH HOW THEY MULTIPLIED!!!!
I WILL MISS YOU DOTTIE RAMBO – BUT LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN ON THE DAY WE BEHOLD HIM TOGETHER!!! UNTIL THEN – I KNOW YOUR MANSION IS GOING TO BE NEXT DOOR TO JESUS – I JUST HOPE MINE IS NEXT DOOR TO HIS, YOURS, AND ALL MY OTHER LOVED ONES!!!
I just found out,and my heart is hurtting.Since i got right with the Lord,her music has been such a huge part of my life.Cant wait to
see her in Heaven.
I never met Dottie, but what a gift she had for writing songs that glorify our Savior. What a legacy she has left for us: to use our gifts to honor God and find hope and comfort in the words and music she left for us. Dottie showed us how she endured trial after trial and still came through them praising God. Her faith in Him never wavered even when her circumstances were difficult and painful. The strength she had through all the trials was given to her by her Savior, and she is now beholding Him face to face and praising Him for His great love.
I have grown up with Dottie Rambo & her music. My family use to sing alot of her songs in churches all around the city of Muncie, IN. I am still amazed to this day how she could write so many songs. I talked about her so many times to everyone, and yet people my age (42), don’t seem to remember her. I have never forgotten her or her songs and still sing them to this day. I like some of the new gospel music, but, the southern gospel music that Dottie wrote and sang will never leave me. I know she is in Heaven singing with my granny and dad. Dear Dottie, I may not have seen you here on Earth, but I will see you on the other side
We were sad to hear about Dottie. May she rest in the arms of God. Her songs have truly been a blessing to us all. We have many memories of Dottie when she was first starting out.
UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL
I have been silenced, wept, prayed and praised to the arrangement of natural words that Dottie Rambo has penned. I now wonder what
supernatural words and collection of phrases she now uses to glorify
our Savior with. Must be absolutely beautiful, I will one day listen to every new song, or will I just connect with spirit to spirit in harmony?…Eternity will be long enough.
——I’ve been listening since Daddy played the LP’s in the living room of the parsonage. My heart has stored each message. This treasure of melody and words has grown into living truth and I am
but one more follower of the giver of the song.
I loved you, Dottie! I, too, grew up listening to “Rambo Music.” I began singing at about age 2 in an evangelistic family. I wanted to sing like Dottie and learned most all of their songs. Dottie was truly a great
inspiration, and when I began writing songs, I found her influence there also. My little preacher Dad, Rev Bud Groves., passed away on April 14, 2008…I’m sure Dad will want to look up Dottie and sit and talk for a while. We wil miss you here….Thanks for the songs…God Bless and comfort Reba and Family and friends…Love Carolyn Connor
My heart goes out to Reba and the family. I remember going to Glenville Ga to hear Dottie and family sing at a church there. It was a blessing to me. My sister and family sang there that night also. The Walkers. God bless you in this time of sadness and loss.
DOTTIE. I SURE WILL REMEMBER YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL MUSIC. IT SEEMED LIKE YOU WERE AN ANGEL. THANKS FOR ALL OF THE SONGS IT SURE HAS HELPED THE WORLD BE A BETTER PLACE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH BETTY COLEMAN AND FAMILY
He Looked Beyond My Fault was one of the first gospel songs I ever sang. I’ve always loved Dottie and her family. She was a modern day Fannie Crosby, prolific and inspiring. Oh what a homecoming she is having! Our thoughts and prayers go out to loved ones and those injured. Michael Gibbs and family
I have never paid much attention to Dottie Rambo the person, but I have loved her music all of my life. Today, I was watching memories of her on the Jim Bakker program, and she ministered to me in a way very few people ever have. I felt God’s love through watching her. As a psychologist, psychiatriac nurse practitioner, I have become impatient with those to whom God has annointed me to minister. After watching her, and listening to the love she had for the Lord, I asked Him fill me with just of a portion of the love she had for Him. That in turn would make me willing to do whatever I needed to do to bring his love to others. Several times today, as I began to feel some impatience with people who were continuing to mess up their lives, I asked Him for some more Dottie love. I also asked myself what would Dottie have said to this person.
There are not many people who love the Lord so much it allows them to minister as effectively in death as they do in life.
Please accept my sincere prayers for all of those who are grieving this dear lady and all those who were injured.
Dottie Rambo and her music are a foundation stone in my life. I love her dearly and love Reba too. I grew up in the Lord on their music.
Dottie Rambo was one of those once in a lifetime people, who when you encounter them, you know they are a special light in this world. When I saw her on television, she seemed familiar, like someone I would know in my own life. I wish I had known her in my life, but with the precious gift the Lord has given to those who love Him, I will get to meet her one day in heaven. That will be so much fun! She just seemed to radiate love through the television and you knew that although she may not have known you personally, through Jesus, she knew us, and was loving us and ministering to us through her songs. What a beautiful woman. What a precious jewel. We love you Dottie.
Wow…..How Dottie will be missed!
Such wonderful songs she wrote throughout her life…such a Godly woman.
Our prayers go out to all the families involved for a speedy recovery to those in the hospital recovering from the accident…and especially to the family of Dottie Rambo.
She has her reward now….
We are still here for a short season, but it won’t be long till Jesus comes to get His bride! We will be in eternity with those who have gone on before us….and yes….this does include Dottie Rambo.
The World has just lost one of the truly greatest songwriters in history! She had a God-given gift for music and lyrics and her songs were so annointed and everytime I would hear her songs sung,be it by Dottie herself, or someone else, I would feel the annointing everytime.
Only God knows the affect Dottie’s music has had on my life for many years. Many times when I’d feel the spirit to pray, especially at night, I’d cut out the lights and go to my piano and start to sing some of Dottie’s music, my favorite of all was, “He Looked Beyond My Faults And Saw My Need”. I’d sing and pray and cry my way to Jesus and would feel his presence so near through her music.
Her recent history of illness, especially her back surgery and all the problems that presented itself at that time seem like a distant memory now because Dottie’s now standing tall and straight and will never see another “Sick Day” again.
She has touched the World in a way that only a few ever have or ever will. My heart bleeds for her daughter and family. I lost my mother in an auto accident 24 yrs. ago and at times I still feel that heart piercing pain of missing her but, I know my mother’s in Heaven and she and Dottie will eventually meet each other, I’m sure.
To Reba, I say…….God and time will heal your broken heart. You and your family are in many, many peoples prayers today and I’m sure you’ll feel the undergirding of the Spirit , it will lift you up when you think you can’t take the pain and heartbreak anymore and it will help you take the next step and the next step and the next step toward your healing. Keep your chin up, it’ll get better…………I promise!
Phill Abney
My heart
As a child, I sang several songs that Dottie wrote, but at that time I didn’t know who wrote them. I just turned 43 May 13th, I am the Asst Pastor at the First Baptist Church, Nepton KY. I owe a great big thank you to Dottie, as we say God had a plan even way back then.`
To The Rambo Family ,
We just want to say we a have been blessed thru the years with Dotties Music. It help us thru hard times. One of the last song I sung was right my mom went to be with Jesus, was I’VE NEVER BEEN THIS HOMESICK . Our prayers with the families of the other people. Keep up the great work of God always.
Only today did I learn of Dottie Rambo’s entering Heaven recently. It was a privilege to spend nine days in Israel with Dottie and Buck and Paul Crouch of Trinity Broadcast Network and around 250 others in Israel in November, 1983. What a beautiful person she is and has been and will continue to be used by God through her testimony of life and music to bless others. Thank God for Dottie.
I remember of her telling of how she was inspired to write WE SHALL BEHOLD HIM.
May God bless her family members and all who were in this accident and their loved ones as well.
Dottie Rambo was a most lovely and gracious gift from heaven to a people who needed a special blessing.. She never sang a song which was not special. Her spirit radiated through t.v into homes where people watched and listened in awe to that voice from heaven which her music exuded. I have several video tapes of the Sunday moring Gospel Singing Jubilee. Dottie, Buck and Reba made the show when they were featured…
She was the singer of the 20th Century !!!
I remember Ms Dottie, Buck and Reba from back in the 70’s. They came to a covention center and sang in a nearby town inwhich I lived. Her and that big ole’ electric guitar she use to play. I have been inspired and reinspired by her music. What an awesome lady!
V.Ryan June 11,2008
I remember meeting Dottie in Nashville in !982.She was so sweet ! We spoke briefly about songwriting and I was encouraged to continue writing by her superb smile and genuine friendliness.Her Tv album has brought hope to many hearts and especially mine.All of her songs are favorites,but especially “Build my mansion next door to Jesus” Will miss you but you are sheltered in the arms of God. What an awesome lady!! Sincere condolences to Reba and Donny and families.Love Ya!
Words cannot convey the way I feel about losing Dottie Rambo. I grew up poor, nothing special, but the way I felt when I listened to the Rambo’s, undiscribable! Then as a teenager in the ’70’s, I would sit and listen to her albums over and over again. During my bad marriage, all I had to do was put in their tapes! The woman has blessed me so much with her music. Praise God for her devotion to the Lord.
I have so many favorites of hers, however, I have to say my most favorite is: “I will Glory in theCross” when she was doing sign language. ABSOLUTELY POWERFUL!!!!!
(you can find the video on youtube.com)
I regret that I never had the pleasure of meeting her. Her love of the Lord, and her beautiful spirit, you couldn’t help but love her.
A true Christian!!
Dottie,I love you. My goal is to sing with you when i get to heaven, and hug your neck!!!! What a fitting day for you to go home!!!!!! I will think of you every Mother’s day for the rest of my life. Reba and Dony, you are so very lucky to have shared your lives with her. I love you as well. You all helped me through some rough times in the late ’80’s.
GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!
Dottie was one of a kind i always dreamed of meeting her in this life .but god had other plans for her he needed another angel in heaven and he wanted the best her songs touch my heart everytime i here them we lost a angel on earth but she is singing with the angel’s in heaven now. well miss you very much and always no tears will never stain the street’s of that city. god bless you dottie for all your songs.
I met Dottie, Buck & Reba when I became a christian. Her music inspired me then & still does to this day. She became an inspiration to me as she did to many others & I learned to sing by listening & singing along with her albums. God has taken this precious treasure back to Himself. What a joy that we will all meet again when God wills.
myspace.com/rememberingdottierambo
Jody – July 26, 2008
I never met Dottie Rambo, but she has touched my life. In just recent years I have come realize how many of the great gospel songs of the church were written by Dottie. I began collecting every possible video, book, songbook or CD to learn all I could about Dottie. I have learned volumes about this lady and all of it is good. Dottie was a woman of integrity, and the gift given to her by God Almighty will live on forever through the music that she so humbly called “God songs not my songs.” What a lady and an example for all who aspire to live our lives totally committed to honor and glorify our Lord Jesus. There will never be another Dottie, but the legacy she left us is to do our very best for Him and give Him all the honor and glory for the gifts He has given us. Although I never met her I have felt such grief. Thank you, Reba, for sharing the Homecoming Celebration through the video. It has been a blessing to me to see just how much of an impact your mother and your family has had on so many people. I pray that God will richly bless you as you enter a new chapter in your life. The words of Paul are so comforting as he says, “We grieve but not as those with no hope.” Your family has been and will continue to be in my prayers.
Thank you Lord for trusting Dottie to share her gifts, including Reba, with the whole world. Thank you for Paul & Jan Crouch because without their obedience to your call on their lives, I never would have heard of Dottie, Reba and Reba’s husband and their beautiful little girls. Besides loving her, her lyrics, her music, I also loved when she sang while motioning with her hands, like in “We Shall Behold Him”. Thank you for allowing us to say Have a Blessed Trip, Dottie and love on Jesus for us and, if you can speak when you come before the throne of Almighty God, gasp a few intermittant words for us too.
I must be the only Christian, now residing in Tennessee, Nashville area, that just found out last night, and confirmed it via by son-in-law who was honored to meet her, that Dottie has already taken up residence among the Saints of God & the Divine Doctor of Life Himself…Abba Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I have seen many out-of-body experience” documentaries, etc, and every time the person did not want to return to earth after being in the presence of Our Heavenly Father & His Precious Son, Jesus, Our Savour.
I prayed that I would meet her, but I allowed my school work, even at my age (61), to take over. I’ve even been absent from church 95% of the time to give myself that extra edge. When I realized what I was hearing Paul Crouch, Jr. was saying when he acknowledged Dottie along with his guest, I was like, No, I didn’t hear what I thought I heard. Did I? That’s when I called and my daughter confirmed with her hubby that it was so.
I’m stunned, but numb. I’m holding back because I want my daughter to see her Christian mother react to the Passing on of a Saint to the other side as a Home-Going event and not heart wrenching grief. For,to be absent in body is to be Present with the Lord, the Holy Scriptures remind us. Yet, I’m human. I miss her. I hurt for Reba not only because that is her mother, but I remember how close they were. The love in that family. Awesome. Praise the Lord.
I pray when it hits me, that I remember the Source of our Abundant Life and the Joy that is set before us and try my best not to be jealous.
I love you, Lord.
I love you, Dottie Rambo.
I love you, Reba & hubby & girls.
Thank you all for sharing your lives, testimonies & talents & prayers with us.
I live in Australia, and just heard about Dottie Rambo….my heart was sad, but you know what Dottie & Reba, I still sing your songs of Praise in my heart till this very day. I first heard of the Rambo’s when i was 15 years old, now 50 and still hold dear to my heart the inspiration of their music. My heart is sad, but tears will never stain the streets of that city….much love to Reba and family.
peter aylmore Perth western Australia.
Incomparable Dottie Rambo is one of my greatest inspirational singers. Through her heavenly compositions, my life has changed. I love her so much, I will forever miss her. I know that Dottie is with our Heavenly Father up above and someday, i will be there too. Praise God for making Dottie part of my life as well as Vestal Goodman.
I am just now to the point that I can discuss the loss of this great lady without breaking down. I grew up on Dottie Rambo’s music and her songs have seen me through some rough times as well as celibrations of joy. I know who is writing songs for the angels to sing….Miss Dottie. Her life’ as told through her songs and later candidly told in an interview, will live on to touch hearts as they have mine. There’s not a day goes by that what CDs I have managed to acquire are not playing on my stereo. I find myself humming or singing to myself so many times, “HE LOOKED BEYOND MY FAULT & SAW MY NEED. I’m sure by now Miss Dottie has written several million songs and is “teaching angels how to sing”. My heartfelt love goes out to Reba, Buck (regardless of their problems), her staff and close friends. I was priviledged to hear them in person back in the 70’s and would have loved to have known her personally. Our backgrounds are similar and I thank God for her influence on my life and I know that her “tears will never stain the streets of that City”. I’ve been praying for those who were in the accident with her. Please work hard to get ALL of her music on CD’s and available. Thank you.
Dottie has blessed the hearts of ordinary people. Coming from an Irish countryside as I have done, a person can empathise with Dottie’s early years. However, when it comes to her music, Dottie lifts me from above the mundane into a new sense of belonging and well-being far beyond my deepest soul. Jim