Evelyn Dooley
February 3, 1919 -
May 3, 2014

Visitation

May 6, 2014
5 - 8 PM

Service 

May 7, 2014
11 AM

Interment

Obituary

Evelyn Johns Dooley, 95, retired teacher and former resident of Columbia, TN died Saturday, May 3, 2014 at her residence in Fayetteville, TN.

Survived by daughter, Wilma Dooley Muse of Fayetteville, TN; granddaughter, Lynn Muse Chappin, grandson-in-law, Bob Chappin, great-grandson, Samuel David Chappin, and great-granddaughter, Katherine Anne Chappin, all of Murfreesboro, TN. Two sisters: Frankie Bostick of Mt. Pleasant, TN; Linda (Norman) Orton of Lawrenceburg, TN; and two sisters-in-law: Janis Johns and Lossie Johns Culberson of Columbia, TN; and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Dooley was preceded in death by her beloved son-in-law Sam Muse.  Also preceded in death by three sisters: Mary Edith Johns Kelley, Gertrude Johns Jones Nash, Nina Lee Johns Severson; and three brothers: Porter Bingham Johns Jr., Mahlon Johns and Billie Ray Johns. Also preceded in death by brothers-in-law Archie Kelley, Virgil Jones, Don Severson, and Carter Bostick.

The Maury County native was the daughter of the late Janie Lynn and Porter Bingham Johns Sr.  Evelyn grew up in Cross Bridges where she actively participated in her family farm work and raising of her eight brothers and sisters.  She graduated valedictorian of Hampshire High school in 1937 and began her teaching career at Union Valley, a one room school.  She received her BS degree from MTSU in 1957 and her Masters degree in Math from Peabody College in 1961.  Her teaching career spanned 41 years at many schools including Union Grove, Zion School, Johnson’s Chapel,  Cross Bridges, Graham, Lick Skillet,  Philadelphia, Andrews, Columbia Central and Columbia State. After her retirement in 1984 she taught part time at Zion Christian and Columbia Academy.

While teaching at Union Grove she met the love of her life, Billy Dooley. They were married on December 21, 1944 and were devoted to each other for 48 years.  He preceded her in death on November 26, 1993.

A life lived so well, for so long, brought joy and inspiration to many.  A natural born teacher, Mrs. Dooley removed the fear of math for students she tutored and instilled skills and confidence in students who regularly went on to win regional and state contests.  She taught quilting to dozens of ladies in Maury County and continued to teach this art when she moved to Lincoln County.  Growing up on a farm, knowing how to make lard, Mrs. Dooley knew of and shared the goodness it brought to the kitchen.  Her angel biscuits have had fans for decades.  In more recent years, macular degeneration did not slow her love for teaching and learning.  Her loving son-in-law, the late Sammy Muse, a former District Governor with Lions Club International, was able to assist her in getting a magnifying machine so that she was able to remain active doing those things that brought her daily joy.

Mrs. Dooley was a member of the Fayetteville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.   When in Columbia she was a member of the Pleasant Mount Cumberland Presbyterian Church and First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Active pallbearers will be Chris Bostick, Ben Brooks, Jimmy Campbell, Johnny Johns, Joe Roberson and Randy Southall.   Honorary pallbearers will be Ladies of the Clara Craig Sunday School Class, Hardy Loyd, Harold Hardison, Jack Barron, Ted Wright, Teddy Ray, Dr. William Kidd, Dr. Mack Hamilton,  Dr. Bill Jones and Dr. Ruth Lamar.

The family will visit with friends on Tuesday, May 6th from 5-8 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home in Fayetteville, TN.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 7th from 10-11 a.m. at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia with service following at 11a.m. Burial will follow service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Columbia, TN. Services will be conducted by Bob Chappin and Keith Malugin.

Donations may be made to Middle Tennessee Lions Sight Service, 911 Westside Court, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 or Middle Tennessee Christian Foundation, 1105 East Bell Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130.

 

Video Services

3 Comments

  1. Richard & Marcia Hughes

    Wilma and Lynn,
    We were so sorry to hear of your loss. May your faith and your precious memories sustain you in the days ahead.

    Richard & Marcia Hughes

    Reply
  2. blake wilkerson

    Mrs Wilma: So sorry to hear about your loss. I just saw it this morning. She and I had some enjoyable times talking. She was a very sweet lady. You have my deepest sympathy in your loss. I will have you in my prayers. If you need me please feel to call. I will be happy to assist you in any way I can. Blake Wilkerson

    Reply
  3. Donna Mitchell

    Sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the lost of your Mother. May God walk with you and be by your side in days to come. Donna Mitchell

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Memories

3 Comments

  1. Richard & Marcia Hughes

    Wilma and Lynn,
    We were so sorry to hear of your loss. May your faith and your precious memories sustain you in the days ahead.

    Richard & Marcia Hughes

    Reply
  2. blake wilkerson

    Mrs Wilma: So sorry to hear about your loss. I just saw it this morning. She and I had some enjoyable times talking. She was a very sweet lady. You have my deepest sympathy in your loss. I will have you in my prayers. If you need me please feel to call. I will be happy to assist you in any way I can. Blake Wilkerson

    Reply
  3. Donna Mitchell

    Sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the lost of your Mother. May God walk with you and be by your side in days to come. Donna Mitchell

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *