Thereasa Loundes Dotson

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Celebrating the life of
Thereasa Loundes DotsonApril 13, 1927 - January 08, 2012

SAVANNAH - Thereasa Loundes Dotson, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and dear friend, died peacefully under hospice care on January 8, 2012 after an extended illness. Born on April 13, 1927 in Pontiac, Illinois and raised in Charleston, SC, Terry became a permanent resident of Savannah, GA in 1944.

On the work front, Terry retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1990 as a supervisory program analyst in the engineering division. During her 28 years as a government employee, she was commended for outstanding and dedicated service.

Terry was an outgoing, vibrant woman with a strong sense of family and community. Although she was certainly an accomplished business woman, her life was best defined by her many service and social activities. She was active in the Catholic Young People's Association for many years. She performed in various dance recitals for local dance studios and two large productions sponsored by Union Camp now International Paper in the late 1940s. She was very active in Epsilon Sigma Alpha ESA International Sorority for over 25 years, serving in various capacities within the local chapter, city council and state level. Terry was named outstanding girl of the state in 1961 and won numerous state awards for her chapter as well as one international. She served on the board of the Chatham County Chapter of the National Foundation now March of Dimes and was the first woman in Chatham County to be elected chairman of the board. She prepared the scrapbook for the 1964 March of Dimes campaign and was recognized for one of the top five scrapbooks in the nation. She also served as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society for many years.

Terry always had an eye for enduring fashion and for many years was a popular model for various Savannah organizations and stores until the age of 82. She also applied her leadership skills to this activity and was responsible for organizing several fashion shows her last at the age of 80 to raise money for charity. She was an active member of the Savannah Symphony Women's Guild SSWG, which later became the Savannah Friends of Music, and served on the board for many years. In 2001, she was awarded the Katherine Driscoll Award for continuous outstanding service to the SSWG and in 2010, made a life-time honorary board member. The recognition plaque reads "Her high standards, positive attitude, and attention to detail guaranteed complete success. Her innate elegance and sense of humor made working with her a treat for everyone around her."

Terry further expanded her circle of friends as an active member of the Alee Patrol Auxiliary and in 2010 was made a lifetime member. She was a member and past officer of the Savannah Woman's Club an affiliate of the Georgia Federation of Women's Clubs, a member of the Alee Shrine Auxiliary, Tuesday Lunch Club offspring of ESA sorority, Savannah Christian Women's Club, The Red Hat Society, and the Exchangettes. Terry was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church and most recently, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, retired Brig. Gen. Frank Lewis Dotson; daughter and son-in-law, Leslie Dotson Jaggers and Rondell C. Jaggers of Smyrna, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Martha and Nick Nixon of Henderson, NV; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express appreciation to the staff of Azalealand Nursing Home for their tending loving care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Savannah Friends of Music, PO Box 15873, Savannah, GA 31416 website: savannahfriendsofmusic.com or Hospice Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.

Visitation: Tuesday, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Funeral Service: 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at St Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 W. 31st Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
Burial: Forest Lawn Memory Gardens

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GUEST BOOK

To my dear sister, Terry. I miss you so much but at last you are at peace. Until we meet again,RIP! Love You! Martha Lowndes Nixon & Herbert Nic Nixon.

- Martha Lowndes Nixon, Henderson, NV

My thoughts and prayers have been with you these past few weeks. Your Mother was certainly influential in many groups and led charitable activities. Your care of her during the past many months is reflective of the loving relationship you had with her. While she is gone from this earth, she is alive in your heart!

- Connie Whittington, Smyrna, GA

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I met Terry while working with the Savannah Symphony Women's Guild back in the 90's. She was one of the best board members and good friend. Terry made my scrap book for my two years as president and I cherish them to this day. A wonderful person - heaven is a better place today because Terry is modeling her wings.

- Emily Saussy, Savannah, GA

Uncle Lou, Cousin Leslie and Family! Sending much love and many prayers your way and may Aunt Terry rest in eternal peace. xoxoVeetz

- Vanessa Holt, Athens, GA

UNCLE LEWIS AND LESLIE. I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT AUNT TERRY. KNOWING HOW VIBRANT AND OUTGOING SHE WAS, I THINK SHE IS IN A MUCH BETTER PLACE. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU BOTH.

- REBEKAH ARVIN, MOUNT VERNON, KY

What a BEAUTIFUL Woman inside and out. I will miss your lovely smile. Love, Stephanie

- stephanie long, Springfield, GA

Dear Lew and Family, We were very sad to see that Terri had passed.We can remember all of the good old Sertoma days and the fun enjoyed by all. You will be in our prayers.

- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA

May God comfort you in His loving arms and fill you with His peace during this difficult time and in the days to come.

- Lloyd and Ann Hodges, Savannah, GA

Gen. Lou, Putting up with you all these years; Mrs. Dotson is a Saint! She will be sorely missed by all who knew her and whose lives she blessed. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around you and your family during this time and the days to come. God Bless, Shane

- Shane Sullivan, Savannah, GA

We are so sorry for your loss. Terry was such a sweet lady. She will be missed by all that knew her.

- Kim Hanning, Savannah, GA

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I first met Terry when she modeled in Savannah a few years ago. I truly admired her spirit, her tireless commitment to whatever project she was devoting herself to at the time.

- Betty Parks, Macon, GA

Our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of such a lovely lady...May God bless you and your family...

- Mr. & Mrs. Dennis C. Cooper, SAVANNAH, GA

So sorry about your loss! Please except my Deepest Sympathy and warmest regards! Bill Cochran

- William Cochran, Bloomingdale, GA

Norma and I are saddened by Terri's passing. Her welcoming smiles and genuine love of life and people will be missed by us. It was truly a pleasure knowing her. I am certain that she is going to have the same effect in heaven.

- Carl & Norma Canicatti, Savannah, GA

Jim and I send our thoughts and prayers to strengthen you and your family during this difficult time. I will be here for you on your return, Leslie. Sometimes when words are not enough, they are not really needed. Sending you hugs and much love. Sue Cambre

- Sue Cambre, Tucker, GA

Gen. Dotson and Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. May Mrs. Dotson rest in God's Eternal Peace. God Bless.

- Roy S. Banks, Jr., Flowery Branch, GA

Aunt Terry, I will always remember you as a strong, caring woman that kept uncle Lou in line. You will be greatly missed greatly. Uncle Lou, you are in in my thoughts and prayers. Regards, Charlie

- Charles Mays, Riverton, UT

I worked with Terry in the 80's at the Corps. She was so elegant &poised all the time. I know her family will miss her.

- Barbara A. Will, Pooler, GA