Dorothy Lee Wilson's Obituary
Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0in;mso-para-margin-right:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}Young MomDorothy Wilson’s life journey began with her birth in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, to Brady and Ruth Toney. Dorothy loved the country surroundings and attended Bailey High School. However, Dorothy dropped out of school at the age of 16 to begin what would become her greatest role in life, motherhood. By 18, Dorothy was the proud mother of two boys, who occupied her daily activities and served as the source of her pride and joy. Dorothy’s PassionsDorothy loved music. Throughout her life music played an important role. She would spend hours upon hours listening to a variety of musical genres, including blues, rock, country, and favorite artists like the Eagles, Bob Seger and Dobie Gray. Dorothy loved to dance to her music, often ten to fifteen times a day. Dorothy’s grandson recalls how she was always dancing, and thought of herself as a good dancer. He laughs to note, “In her day, she may have been a good dancer, but she wasn’t that good now.” Yet, the witness of his grandmother’s dancing brought joy with the humor. Dorothy’s musical interests also included her own vocal talents. For several years, Dorothy was a back-up singer to Sis King, in the local Starlight Club. Beyond music, Dorothy had a passion for Nascar. Her family notes that Dorothy would frequently phone for the start times to ensure she did not miss races. Dorothy would watch for the success of her favorite driver Dale Earnhardt, and later his son, but as her family stresses, she vehemently did not cheer for Kyle Bush! Dorothy’s passions also included gardening. She was especially fond of roses and mandevilla. Beyond gardening, her creative side included cooking. She spent non-racing hours watching the cooking shows of Rachael Ray and Paula Deen, and would try out their suggested recipes. Dorothy could cook anything but her personal enjoyment was coconut cake; more for consuming than preparing! Life’s ChallengesDorothy’s life was not without challenge. She was faced with the tragic loss of her son in a car accident. According to her son Mark, his mother “died” along with his brother, and she was also faced with divorce following his death. Only her strength in God and her love for her grandchildren kept her going. Dorothy would take care of her grandsons Ken, Kyle, and Luke throughout the summer and taught them to swim, cook, garden, and play cards. On December 24, 2006, Dorothy was once again challenged, this time by the passing of her mother. This too proved to be a difficult time, but Dorothy as always moved on. Keep DreamingDorothy instilled in her family a passion for following their dreams. She would spend hours talking to her children and grandchildren on the importance of setting goals and striving to achieve them. One of her proudest moments was the marriage of her son Mark to his wife Sonja; she was comforted by the marriage because she knew they would be together for life. Such achievements or markers in life were important to Dorothy. Her grandson Ken recalls how his grandmother taught him “never to settle, no matter what someone says.” She gave the gift of love. Ken fondly marks the time when he was 22 years of age and Dorothy and he had a long talk about the importance of him achieving his dreams. She said he needed to have 3 goals in life. He recalls how, after that conversation, life changed for him. He challenged his own behavior, he moved up levels in his career, and at 24, he bought his first house… to which Dorothy applauded: “There’s 1 down!” A Life’s LegacyDorothy passed away on August 1, 2012. She is survived by her son Mark (Sonja) Wilson, her grandsons, Ken, Kyle, and Luke, and her great grandchildren, Kayden and Ella Grey. Dorothy leaves with them a legacy of love, the importance of having dreams and striving to make them come true.
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?