Kathleen Dobbs died July 3, 2012, at her home in Bartlett, TN at age 96. Born in her parents'' home in Johnson County, Illinois, she was the fifth of eight children. Her parents were Charles E. and Kate Miller. Kathleen graduated from Golconda High and was the first in her family to do so. She appeared in many dramatic presentations in high school. She later went to Draughn''s Business College to learn office skills. In 1947, she met and married Sherman "Dick" Dobbs. His job required that their family move to Union City, TN, Gainesville, GA, and finally Nashville, TN. Kathleen was active in her church in each city. In Gainesville she was very involved in the American Legion Auxillary, serving in each leadership role until she became president. Gardening was a lifelong interest. She was a member of garden clubs in Gainesville and Nashville. She and Sherman practiced organic gardening as early as the 1960s. Their gardens produced an abundance of fruits and vegetables, which Kathleen canned or froze for family and friends. Her pickles won blue ribbons at the Tennessee State Fair. After her children were grown, Kathleen returned to work as clerk of the physical therapy department of Baptist Hospital, Nashville. She considered the therapists there as "her girls". She retired after 10 years service. Her family was the center of Kathleen''s life. She and Sherman raised 3 children: Carolee Gailey (Gerald), Gainesville, GA; Dawn Dobbs, Bartlett, TN, and Richard Brian Dobbs, who predeceased her. After her husband''s death in 1998, Kathleen moved to Bartlett to share a home with her daughter Dawn. Kathleen was an excellent cook, hostess, and seamstress. But most of all, it was for her quiet grace during life''s difficulties that her friends and family respected and love her. Kathleen exemplified the virtues of a Christian wife and mother. She is survived by her children and numerous nieces and nephews. We would like to thank the ladies who helped care for her: Earnestine Edwards, Laura Hester, LaToya Wilson, Catherine Guffin, and Melanie Smith. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of the following: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; Meals on Wheels, 430 Prior St. S.E. Gainesville, GA 30501; or Crossroads Hospice, 1669 Shelby Oaks Drive, Memphis, TN 38134. Visitation will be Thursday, July 5, 2012 from 3-5 p.m. at Forest Hill East. A memorial service will be held at Springhill Funeral Home, Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN, Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.
Forest Hill East Funeral Home
901-382-1000