Tributes have been paid to Wantage deacon Dorothy 'Dot' Morrison who has died suddenly aged 61.

Deacon of the Parish of SS Peter and Paul in Wantage with Holy Trinity Charlton, her death on Thursday, September 25, fell on the anniversary of her ordination three years ago.

Family, friends, and churchgoers have remembered her mischievous sense of humour and the way she danced to her favourite hymns in church.

They said she was an inspiration, constantly coming up with new ideas to try, and a friendly face to hundreds of people who knew her in Wantage. Her children, Dickon Millett, 28, and Lizzie Millett, 26, said: "Our Mum was one of the most nurturing and most accepting people we have met. She was a great listener and source of support to us and others. She was passionate about her ministry and the causes that she worked for.

"Mum was very fun and mischievous and our memories of our house was full of laughter and love."

Members of the congregation at Wantage church said: "She showed the warmth and humour of a mother, she called a spade a spade and was not frightened to stand up against injustice. Dot always had a natural instinct to care for the community around her. She was always a friendly face and always made time to listen to those around her. She was compassionate, warm and enthusiastic and acted as mentor or teacher to many of those around her.

"It is the people who knew and loved Dot who have been blessed and privileged. She will be an immense loss to the community."

Born in Glasgow, she spent her early life in Asia where her parents, both missionaries, were based. She later went to boarding school near Bournemouth and then St Andrews University where she read maths and philosophy.

After working as a maths teacher in Nottingham, she worked briefly for City and Guilds before becoming a full-time mother to her two children. She arrived in Wantage 26 years ago and had been living at Wolage Drive, Grove, when she died. She and her husband David Millett divorced in 1993.

Formerly Wantage Town Clerk, she started work in 1990 as a litter and recycling officer at the Vale of White Horse District Council, becoming education officer and then supporting people officer in 2007.

In 2005 she began her ministry as deacon in 2005 after being ordained by Bishop Richard Harries at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford.

She was involved in the Liturgy, funerals, preaching, home visits to give Holy Communion and outreach work, leading worship at Stirlings Care Home and being a member of the Churches Together committee.

She was also closely involved with Wantage Primary School, working closely to forge links between the school and the church. Her funeral took place on Tuesday at Wantage Parish Church.