Dot Steffner

Dorothy Echols Steffner, born November 11, 1923, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, April 24, 2010. She was born in Decherd, TN and has been a resident of Chattanooga since she was 2 years old.

She attended Highland Park Elementary School and graduated from Central High School in 1942. During those years, she along with several of her friends formed the club the Blue Jackets and have remained friends until this day.

Dot was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, John E. Steffner, Sr., her parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.M. Echols; brothers, Lewie and Jim Echols; sisters, Mrs. Paul (Dura) Martin, Mrs. Conrad (Elizabeth) Smith, Mrs. Charles (Ruth) Breneman and Mrs. Ed (Mary) Keith.

She is survived by her son, John Jr. “Skip” (Kate) Steffner and daughter, Starr (Tom) Meade both of Chattanooga; grandchildren, John (Kim) Meade, Knoxville, TN, Michelle (Dan) Carmichael, Chattanooga, John, III “Jes” Steffner, Avon Park, FL, Steve Steffner and Starr (Billy) Wilson of Chattanooga; nine great-grandchildren, Sam and Jack Carmichael, Katie and Joe Meade, Caitlynn and Beau Steffner, James, Trip and Brittany Wilson; several nieces and nephews.

Many thanks to our friend and sitter, Jean Crowley for her faithfulness and love over the last two years and to Hospice of Chattanooga for their amazing support.

Dot called “Sweet Dot” by many was a lifetime member of the St. Andrews United Methodist Church until it closed in 2004. She then joined Brainerd Baptist Church and the Fidelis Sunday School Class. Her life has been one of giving to others. Her love of family was amazing and she often said all she ever wanted was to be a grandmother and a great one she was!

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Wednesday at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with the Rev. Marvin Howard officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons and C. L. Sumner. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Fidelis Sunday School Class and former members of St. Andrews United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 4-8 PM Tuesday at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga 4411 Oakwood Drive Chattanooga, TN 37416, St. Andrews Center 1918 Union Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404 or to Brainerd Baptist Church Building Fund, 300 Brookfield Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37411.