Dorothy Forrester

Dorothy B. Forrester, age 91, of Mountain City, TN, passed away on March 20, 2011at her home following a long illness. She was born on January 14, 1920 to Sallie Crigger and Charles M. Blankenbeckler, both preceding her in death. In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Willie' Forrester, who passed away on September 28, 2001; a son, Mike Forrester; grandsons: Steve Blevins and Chris Mahan; a brother, an aunt; an uncle and a special caretaker, Mae Garland. As a child, Dorothy and her brother Charles were cared for by their Aunt and Uncle Fannie and Oscar Blankenbeckler in the Pleasant Valley Community. On December 19, 1936, Dorothy married William A. Willie' Forrester. To this union were born eight children. Survivors include Phyllis (Blackie) Blevins, Lois (Paul) Wright, Jack (Barbara) Forrester, Norma (Kenneth) Blevins, Beverly (Jack) Rutter, Scott (Shirley) Forrester and Edd (Jeri) Forrester; ten grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; six step grandchildren and a very special cousin, like a sister to Mom, Gene B. Wilson, also survives. Dorothy retired from Blackburn's Super Market in 1980 after 20 years of service. She was active in Valley View United Methodist Church until her illness. She became a member in 1932 and at her death was the oldest member; both age wise and number of years; as a member. Dorothy was past president of the UMW and chaired the Parsonage Committee approximately fifteen years. She was a member of Pleasant Valley Home Demonstration Club for many years and held offices of President, Secretary, and Treasurer. She was also active in the PTA's of both Pleasant Valley and Mountain City Elementary Schools as her children were growing up. Our Mom loved having family and friends visit and they still comment on her cooking. She was famous for her chicken-n-dumplins'. She also enjoyed flowers, gardening and canning, sewing and quilting. Dorothy adored her grandchildren and they loved going to visit and staying with her. Mom has required several years of special home care. We would especially like to recognize caretakers Barbara Sexton, Shirley Reece, Mae, Linda Eastridge, Dr. Susanne Shine, Mountain City Home Health and Hospice Nurses. One very special caretaker, Mae Garland, preceded Dorothy in death. Thank you all from our hearts. Flowers in Mom's memory will certainly be appreciated or memorial gifts in her memory may be made to Valley View United Methodist Church, 1779 Hwy 421 N., Mountain City, TN 37683 or to the Christopher T. Mahan Scholarship Fund, ETSU Scholarship Office, P.O. Box 70557, Johnson City, TN 37614. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at Mountain City Funeral Home. A celebration of Mom's life will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at Valley View United Methodist Church with Rev. Kristie Banes, Jim Hutchinson, Minister and Rev. Ronnie Manuel to officiate. The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 p.m. prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Pallbearers will be Dorothy's grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are Nelson Gray, Ralph Poteet, David Wilson, Charles Blankenbeckler, Tommy Payne, Ralph Wilson, Offie Hayworth and Jack Elswick. Burial will follow in the Phillippi Cemetery. At other times, the family will receive friends at the residence, 2326 Hwy 421 N., Mountain City, Tennessee 37683. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mountaincityfuneralhome.com . The family of Dorothy B. Forrester has entrusted her services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church St., Mountain City, TN 37683.