Dorothy Gary's Obituary
Dorothy Gary, 89, of Chattanooga, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023, in the Hospice Care Center. Dorothy was born August 17, 1933, in Dawson, Georgia, to the late Johnny Jenkins, Sr., and Julia Thomas. She grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age. She attended Carver High School and became a member of the Girls' Basketball Team. After graduating high school, Dorothy relocated to Chattanooga where she found employment at Erlanger Hospital in their dietary department. It was here that she discovered her true passion for helping others and later decided to become a volunteer with the “Pink Ladies” volunteer program at Erlanger Hospital Gift Shop. This commitment would last over 35 years. Dorothy will always be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing her, especially those whose lives were positively impacted by her dedication to service and kind spirit throughout the decades she spent volunteering with The Pink Ladies Program! She also worked many years at S & H Green Stamps. Before retiring, she worked as a caterer for Uniquely You and Sherrill’s. Dorothy was a faithful servant of God and an active member of the East Third Street Church of Christ. Later in life, she transferred her membership to Manchester Park Church of Christ, where she enjoyed attending all church activities. Dorothy gave generously and cheerfully with her time, talents, and treasures to support the needs and mission of her church. Everyone admired Dorothy for using her spiritual gifts to lead and inspire those around her. Dorothy was also known as the family historian due to her love for sharing stories about childhood memories and pictures with younger generations. Her grandchildren adored their Nana so much that they appointed her as their official chaperone for all school field trips! Throughout her life, Dorothy maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing, love, and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her acts of kindness, constant smiling, laughter, and joking, will never be forgotten. Dorothy was preceded in death by her son, Michael Williams; brothers, Johnny Jenkins, Jr., Marvin Jenkins, and Harry T. Johnson; son-in-law, Darrell Davis; and best friend, Roberta Toney. Survivors include her daughters, Donna Williams of Chattanooga and Triba Gary-Davis of Nashville, TN; step-daughter, Debra Newson of Chattanooga; daughter-in-law, Graziella Williams of Italy; brothers, Julius (Reva) Johnson of Stockbridge, GA and John Elbert Thomas of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Setedra (Cedric) Penn of Conyers, GA, Armica Hamilton of Duluth, GA, Kareem (Elizabeth) Williams, Nicole Williams, both of Italy, Cameron Davis of San Antonio, TX, Bronson Gary Davis, Emerson Bryce Davis, both of Nashville, Marie Ann Williams of Italy, and Byron King, Jr. of Chattanooga; a host of great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends.
Dorothy will lie-in-state on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, from 1-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 12 noon in the chapel with Bro. John R. Taylor, Sr. will serve as the eulogist. Burial on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
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