Phyllis Lorraine Tarr Dawson

Phyllis Lorraine Dawson was born in Somerset West, South Africa on May 28, 1933, the daughter of the late Wilfred Fletcher Tarr and Jewell Evelyn Tarr. (British SDA Missionaries to South Africa).

Lorraine, (she preferred using her middle name) was a strong woman with a quick wit! She had a deep love of music and enjoyed being a soloist in church along with singing harmony in a group. She enjoyed traveling with her family and collecting and dressing dolls. She loved walking, shopping, riding on trains, dining out, and had a lifelong love for the ocean. She possessed an impeccable work ethic, strong management and organizational skills, and had a keen eye for interior design. Lorraine had a true and genuine heart for all people and was an excellent listener and counselor. She had a passion for reading, writing, and poetry. Many times, a friend or loved one would receive a special poem composed by her to meet a special need or occasion. She loved people!

Above all else, she was a woman of infinite love for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and longs for all of them to know Jesus and meet again one day when Jesus comes!

In addition to her parents, Phyllis (Lorraine) was preceded in death by her first husband, William Otis; second husband, Robert Dawson; and three siblings, Dr. Donald Tarr, Elaine Dodd, and Sylvia Tarr.

Survivors include her five children: Barbara Lance (Eric), Donald Otis (Kim), Dr. David Otis (Ida), Bruce Otis (Cathy), and Lori Otis; step-daughter, April Dawson: eleven grandchildren: Sean Otis (Lonna), Brandon Otis (Lacey), Eric Otis (Janessa), William Otis (Sarah), Melissa Peters (Brandon), Bryan Otis (Jordan), Bethany Mckee (Nathan), Justin Otis, Donnie Otis, David Otis (Hayley), and Rachel Burgess (Andrew); and fifteen great grandchildren: Emma Otis, Ethan Otis, Finley Otis, Westlyn Otis, Mitzi Otis, Carson Otis, Kyler Otis, Luz Otis, Clara Peters, Ava Peters, James Peters, Jack Otis, Aria Otis, Henry McKee, and Juliette McKee. Also, three surviving brother-in-law's, Dr. Duane Dodd, Terry Otis, Lee Schappell; several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 4:00 P.M. Friday, July 25, 2025, in the funeral home chapel with Kris Eckenroth officiating. The family will receive friends, 2-4 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.

Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.

Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel, 7454 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN. 37421