Tributes have been paid to Wantage church deacon and council officer 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 remembered her mischievous sense of humour and the way she danced to her favourite hymns in church.

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. Our house was full of laughter and love."

Members of the church congregation 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."

Born in Glasgow, she spent her early life in Asia where her parents, both missionaries, were working. 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 mother. The family moved to Wantage 26 years ago. Ms Morrison was living in Wolage Drive, Grove, when she died. She and her husband David Millett divorced in 1993.

Formerly Wantage Town Clerk, in 1990 she joined the Vale of White Horse District Council, holding several posts before being appointed supporting people officer last year. In 2005, she was ordained as a deacon at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford and as well as taking services, she was a member of the Churches Together committee and worked with Wantage Primary School. Her funeral took place on Tuesday.