Dorothy "Dot" Dorr

Dorothy “Dot” Dorr, age 92, of Kingsport, Tennessee passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14, 2025. Dot was born on July 9, 1932 in Portland, Tennessee to the late George G. and Bertie Peden Brown. She graduated from Sumner County High School, received an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Martin College, and a BA Degree in Library Science from Western Kentucky University. Dorothy was chosen “Middle Tennessee Strawberry Queen” in 1949 and selected “Campus Favorite Girl” at the Talisman’s Ball in 1954 at Western Kentucky University. She married Robert M. Dorr on July 14, 1956 in Portland, Tennessee. Dot and Bob were avid travelers in the United States and aboard.

Dorothy served as librarian at Kirkman Technical High School in Chattanooga from 1954 - 1958, substitute teacher at Dobyns-Bennett High School for 12 years, and a librarian at Sullivan County Schools for 16 years before retiring in 1997. She was a member of the Sullivan County Retired Teachers Association.

Dot was a lifelong member and a volunteer librarian at First Broad Street United Methodist Church, a member of the Kingsport Art Guild for 15 years, and a member of the American Association of University Women.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Robert Merrill Dorr; sons, Mark Peden Dorr, Todd Merrill Dorr, and infant son, Robert Reid Dorr; sisters, Gussie Empson and Anne Bell.

Dot is survived by her daughter, Lisa D. Whitlock and partner Bruce; grandchildren, Laura and Emily Whitlock (Trevor Beverly) and Robbie and Daniel (Megan) Dorr; daughter-in-law, Cathi Dorr; niece, Wynne Empson; nephew, Jeff Bell; and several great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at First Broad Street United Methodist Church with The Rev. Randall Frye and Pastor Bruce Galyon officiating.

An interment will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, Maple Hill Cemetery in Portland, Tennessee

The family would like to thank Steadman Hill Assisted Living for their care and support for Dorothy over the last three years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.