Mrs. Dorothy Dalton-McMahon's Obituary
Born January 20, 1923 in Nashville, TN to James and Lorene Gibbs (deceased). Predeceased by husbands James P. Dalton (Dusty) and James A. McMahon, grandson Obadiah Prosser and sister Jean Bloodworth. Survived by daughters Donna Jean Prosser (Clyde)., Cheryl L. Dalton of Santa Cruz, CA and Melinda Dalton Dotson of Brandon, MS and niece, Myra Carlton (Herman). Dorothy was a 1941 graduate of Litton High School and in 1943 she enlisted in the Womens Army Corp, attached to the Army Air Corps.
While stationed in the New England states she met James Dalton of Parawon, Utah. After their discharge from the service they moved to Idaho where James attended Pharmacy School. On their return to Nashville, Dorothy became active in the American Legion, serving as Adjutant for the Madison Post for eleven years. After transferring to Post 88 in Donelson, she was elected to numerous offices, being the first woman elected to each position. She served in the Color Guard for seven years, as Vice-Commander of the Post, and served as their Service Officer for almost thirty years. A long-time member of the Veterans Coordinating Council, she was selected to be the first female Honorary Chairman Coordinating Council, she was selected to the first female Honorary Chairman of the Veterans Day Parade and Chairman of Memorial Day services at the Nat’l Cemetery. In addition, she served on the Selective Service Board for 20 years.
Dorothy was the first female veteran to become a District Commander and State Service Office for the Legion. She was a state employee for 25 years, and was the first woman Claims Specialist for the TN Dept. of Veterans Affairs. She met James A. McMahon of Augusta, Maine in Washington, D.C. while serving as an American Legion representative and State Service Officer. At that time, James was the Director of Veterans Affairs in Maine. After his retirement, they spent their summers in Maine. James died in 2007.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2018 from 4-8pm at Spring Hill Funeral Home. Services will be held on Friday, August 3, 2018 at 9am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 107 Twin Hills Dr., Madison, TN 37115. Burial with military honors will follow at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at 11am.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorothy?
Share a story where Dorothy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorothy you’ll never forget.
How did Dorothy make you smile?