Dorothy Virginia Hughes

Affectionately known as Dot, she was always the first to open her door, whether to a relative, a friend or a neighbor in need.

Born March 11, 1941, in East Nashville, Dot owned an auto mechanic shop with Jim Hughes, her husband of nearly 30 years. The couple was well-regarded on one East Nashville Street for repairing neighborhood cars free of charge.

Dot spent her free time playing bingo, hanging around the Elks Club, making ceramic décor, and visiting casinos. She could be found on holiday family get-togethers at the center of a lively seven-card poker game, stacking quarters and teaching her nephew, Jason, the details.

Dot valued connection and a lively chat around the kitchen table. In her later years, she was particularly fond of puzzle-making and eating takeout with her granddaughter, Amber. She enjoyed reading John Grisham novels and cheering on the Tennessee Titans. She consumed exactly one beer a week with her dear friend and “adopted” son, Paul, who dutifully and joyfully visited Dot multiple times a week for the last ten years. She enjoyed visiting with neighbors and making monthly trips to the nail salon, where her affinity for the perfect shade of red was well-known.

Dot was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim; her parents, Preston “Pop” Ward, and mother Gertrude Virginia Petty; her brother, David Ward and sister-in-law, Virgie Ward; and many friends.

She is survived by Paul Brickles (Denise); nephews, Jason Ward, Steven Ward, and Allan Ward (Mickey); a niece, Karen Mangus (Dan); a granddaughter, Amber; a grandson, Joseph; a handful of great nieces and nephews; and many friends who became like family.

A gathering of family & friends for Dorothy will be held Monday, February 12, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204. A gathering of family and friends will occur Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204.