Amy "Jean" Pyle Dodson

Amy "Jean" Pyle Dodson passed away July 1, 2014 at Asbury Place, Kingsport. Jean was born March 16, 1923 in Clintwood, VA, but resided all her life in Kingsport. Her father, James Melera Pyle, Sr. was from Sullivan County, TN; and her mother, Florence Delana Williams, was originally from Hohenwald, TN. Jean graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School, worked at the Kingsport Press and later at Bennett and Edwards Insurance. She married John Dodson in 1956; he passed away in May of this year, and she must surely be delighted to be with him again after death.

Jean lived her long life in the way she wanted to, and lived it well. She loved to reminisce about the early days of Kingsport, watching movies at the State and Strand theaters downtown, shopping at "J. Fred's", playing the drum in the D-B band, just to name a few. She enjoyed dancing to big band music, sharing a nice dinner out with family, especially with a glass of wine; she also enjoyed reading mysteries in her later years. She loved to travel with John, and they took a number of walking trips together in the U.S. and England.

Although no sportswoman herself, Jean was one of golfer Phil Michelson's biggest fans, and cheered on the Lady Vols from the comfort of her living room at every opportunity! Her birthplace entitled her to membership in Kingsport's Virginia Club, and she was active in that group for some years. She also enjoyed playing bridge and games of all sorts, and for many years was an avid cross-stitcher.

Mostly, though, she enjoyed being a loving companion to her husband, a caring mother and a fun grandmother. Jean enjoyed a good party: whether it was celebrating a major anniversary or birthday, or a formal Tennessee Hospital Association function, Jean would always be there front and center with John, full of vim and vigor, and--almost always-- dressed in purple with a fancy hat. She was a great example of the woman behind the successful man. She taught her children loyalty, etiquette, and joy to last them a lifetime. Her grandchildren were doted upon with breakfast in bed, afternoon teas, and giggles galore. She will be missed greatly by them all.

Mrs. Dodson was a member of Waverly Road Presbyterian Church.

The family wishes to extend their most grateful thanks to the staff of Baysmont and Asbury Health Center for their loving care of Jean.

She is survived by her sister, Florence Pyle Reynolds (Flossie) of Kingsport; son, John Allen Dodson, Jr (Allen) and wife Alisa, of Murphys, CA; daughter Amy Dodson Goodwin and husband Forrest of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren, Danielle Goodwin Linn and husband Douglas of Cincinnati, OH; John Webster Goodwin of Columbus, OH. She was predeceased by her brother, James Melera Pyle, Jr.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Waverly Road Presbyterian Church with Rev. Daniel Clark officiating. The family will receive visitors immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Food Pantry at Waverly Road Presbyterian Church, 1415 Waverly Road, Kingsport, TN 37664, or your favorite local charity in her memory are requested.