Dorothy Lee Scates was born on March 30th, 1934, to the late Mitchell and Mary (McGill) Scates. She was the third oldest of 10 children. She left her homeplace in Shady Grove, TN aka “Mobley Ridge/Center Star” to reside in Centerville, TN where she raised her children.

Dorothy attended O.H. Bernard High School for 2 years. Despite only having an 8th grade education, she went on to accomplish great careers at Genesco (12 yrs) and Centerville Life Care Center where she was CNA for over 30 years, and later retired in March 1999. Hard work was second nature for Dorothy. She proved that anything can be accomplished through a great work ethic, dedication, and being a person of your word.

Dorothy was a devout Christian and servant. Early on she attended the Center Star Church of Christ where she was baptized by her uncle Bro. Graham McGill. Dorothy was a current member of Columbia Avenue Church of Christ. She enjoyed going to the Sunday meetings at various surrounding churches and the singing was her favorite part.

“Miss Dorothy” was a pillar in her community. She will always be remembered for direct honesty and her quick wit that was usually accompanied with a clever statement. Some of her favorites include: “You look better going than you do coming”, “If I wanted you to know I would have told you” and “I love you too, have a nice day”!

She was energetic, young at heart, and recognized for her sweet charm. Well-Known for her infamous storytelling, you would often find the young and the old enjoying the grace of her company. Dorothy loved reading, quilting, and spending quality time in her yard (and those of others). She was a fashionista, always “styling” and “profiling” in her outfits and hats. She loved to take pictures and receive them as well. Her visitors loved seeing them on display in her home’s unique “gallery of fame”.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her daughter – Sherry Scates, grandchildren – Jeffrey Ray James, Glendale Maurice Jackson, great granddaughter Ja’Quazia Denae Reed, Sister – Jean (Alfred) Miles, Brothers – Mitchell Scates, Marshall Scates, Johnny (Shiral) Scates, and Kenneth Scates.

She is survived by one Uncle – Graham McGill, three sisters – Sarah Cowan (Vator), Clara Moore, and Mary (Reggie) Flagg, one brother – Joe Harold (Brenda) Scates, sister in laws – Audrey Scates, Loretta Scates, and Mable Scates, and eight children – Verna (Robert) Tunia, Yung Woochi (Tama) Scates Sr., Victoria Scates, Vanessa Scates, Ramona Scates, James Scates, Jeffrey (Melissa) Scates, and Tracy Scates, 16 grandchildren – Frank Flippin, LaTonya (Chris) Jenkins, Steven McShand, Yung Woochi Scates Jr., Glenda Jackson, Talisha (JaMaal) Cook, Regina James, Dorothia Scates, Jeffrey Scates Jr., Melesha Scates, Ashlyn Scates, Antonio Corlew, Ethan Scates, Mary Scates, Demetrious Stone, Demarious Stone, 38 great- grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends. Two devoted and special friends, Brenda Beard (deceased) and Terri Rosson.