J. Dorothy “Dot” Hitchcock Smith
J. Dorothy (Dot) Hitchcock Smith (September 28, 1929) beloved wife, mother and grandmother departed from this life to her heavenly home on October 10, 2025 at CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Dot was born at the Hitchcock Family Farm on Fredonia Mountain and graduated from Sequatchie County High School. She originally worked at the Dunlap “Shirt Factory” where she met two dear, life-long friends Elzada (Zade) Rains and Joyce Boyd.
She decided to become a hairdresser; graduated from Chattanooga Beauty School and worked at Bouffant Beauty Salon before starting her own business “Dot’s Beauty Shop” until she retired.
Dot and Tom F. raised their sons in Dunlap and Fredonia, attending Flat Mountain Baptist Church, where Dot taught Sunday School for many years. A loyal friend and community member, she was active in many local projects and organizations, including the Fredonia Community Center, the Red Hats Club, and the Home Demonstration Club. She served as the treasurer of Camp Cemetery Association until her death.
She knew how to enjoy life and lived every moment to the fullest. She traveled to near and far destinations–from frequent trips to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry with Citizens Tri-County Bank, to international visits to Europe. With her best friend, William, she frequented “the music,” to listen to her favorite country and bluegrass tunes weekly. She will be long-remembered as the loving, feisty red-headed spirit who delighted in hosting Easter, 4th of July and Christmas dinners–and countless other gatherings where family, friends, and loved-ones came together over good food and laughter.
A gardener (a big one), preserver, wine-maker (a little sweet) and homemaker, Dot was a holder of many old mountain traditions and wisdom; her appreciation for nature, the land, food, and music is passed down to all those who have visited “Aunt Dot’s House.” As the heart and soul of the family, Dot will be dearly missed and remain beloved by many.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John D. and Sissie Hitchcock; her husband, Tom F. Smith; siblings, Clora Long, Velda Land, Mearle Shepherd, Ina Tate, Mae Land, Ray Hitchcock, Ollie Wentworth, and Oliver Hitchcock.
She is survived by her two sons, J.O. (Vivian) Smith and Thomas D. (Sherry) Smith; four grandchildren, Brian (Sara) Smith, Justin Smith, Chandler Smith, and Adrienne Cooper Smith; sister, Violet Hobbs—and countless, precious nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Thursday, October 16 at 1:00 p.m. CDT in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Josh Coffman and Pastor Daniel Morris officiating. Burial was in camp cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Dunlap First Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 126, Dunlap, TN 37327 or Camp Cemetery, 98 Sullivan Loop Rd, Dunlap, TN 37327.
Family received friends Wednesday, 2:00-8:00 p.m. and Thursday 11:00 AM-1:00 p.m.
Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com.
Arrangements by Standefer-Reed Funeral Home, 50 May Road, Dunlap, TN 37327.
