Henryetta Dotson

Henryetta Dotson departed from this world on March 31st, 2023 at the age of 87 with her devoted husband Jim by her side. Henryetta was born at home in Nashville, TN on July 4th, 1935. The doctor told her parents that she was the only baby he had ever delivered on the 4th of July. Henryetta attended Gower School and Bellevue High School, where she was a cheerleader. She graduated in 1953. Henryetta met James “Jim” Oron Dotson Jr. at the Hipprodone Skating Rink in 1959. The two married on January 22nd, 1961, and were married for 62 years. The day Jim and Henryetta wed, Jim had worked a 26-hour shift at the Shell Station. Henryetta picked him up and started driving to Rossville, GA because TN had a 3-day waiting period. Jim woke up outside of Chattanooga and Henryetta was driving 90 mph in a snowstorm. Jim quickly told her to slow down if they wanted to make it there safely. The two honeymooned in Chattanooga and returned to Nashville to build their loving family. Jim spent much of his career as a traveling salesman while Henryetta managed life at home with their sons and her career. She also cared for her parents as they aged. Her mother Ruby, lovingly known as “Nanny” lived with them for the last 16 years of her life. Henryetta was a self-taught bookkeeper and worked for several companies in the Nashville area including AJ Smith Lumber Company, Commodore Marina, and the Brentwood Country Club. She also was a real estate agent for Century 21. Henryetta was a skilled pianist and organist. She played for many years for her home church, Centenary United Methodist, where she had been a member since birth. She loved to play “Victory in Jesus” and she would often play for wedding ceremonies. Henryetta enjoyed driving her Lincoln Town Cars, going frequently to the Reflexologist, and later life, being a part of her bowling league. Henryetta had another name she loved, “Grandma”. In retirement, she spent countless days watching all of the grandkids. The grandchildren spent much of their summers and many nights with Grandma and Grandpa. She would light up around all her great-grandkids. Grandpa and Grandma loved having grandchildren in their home playing or swimming in the pool. After Grandpa’s retirement, they had a motorhome and would take trips with grandkids. If you ask them, she made the best tuna fish sandwiches and potato salad in town. In her later years, Henryetta was lovingly cared for by her husband Jim. They would travel around Nashville checking on properties and any antics Grandpa could devise. When they were ready to leave, Grandpa would always say, “Are you ready to ride love?” Grandma enjoyed these outings if going to a restaurant was on the agenda. Grandpa says, “Grandma’s favorite words were not ‘I love you’ but ‘Let’s Eat Out’”. She was preceded in death by parents Henry Paul Hulan and Ruby Etta Allen Hulan, sister Dorris Sue Hulan, brother Willie Paul Hulan, son James “Rip” Oron Dotson III, daughter-in-law Kim Reene Dotson, and great-granddaughter Hattie James Peery. She is survived by her husband James “Jim” Oron Dotson Jr. Son David Dotson (Kim). Daughter-in-law Annette Mayes (Rip). Grandchildren Sophia Dotson-Woods, Gable Dotson (Jessica), Jad Dotson (Katie), Tara Dotson, and Ashley Peery (Cody). Great-grandchildren Dezirae Dotson, Kaylee Woods, Taylor Woods, Aliya Dotson, Adella Dotson, Olivia Dotson, Grant Dotson, Reagan Dotson, Frankie McBride, Harrison Dotson, Lucy Dotson, and Lucy Peery. Great-great-grandchildren Ayden Duncan and Maverick Roberts. Henryetta or Grandma left a legacy, and her impact in how she cared for her family will be felt through many generations. Lastly, thank you to Alive Hospice for their care in these last few weeks.

Henryetta Dotson

July 4, 1935 - March 31, 2023