Ruth Dotson

Ruth Ola Beavers Dotson, age 78, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 1, 2016, at her home in Kingsport, Tennessee following a two-decade long struggle with a rare muscular disease. She was born to Fred and Hazel Beavers on March 16, 1938, in Tazewell County, Virginia. Following college, she became a Graduate General Secretary with several large employers, including the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., where she served in the Foreign Service Institute. While in the nation's capital, Ruth met her husband, Jennings, at the introduction of their mutual friends. They were soon married on December 26, 1963, and began their lives together. Before retiring to Kingsport, Ruth and Jennings made their home in Alexendria, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Petersburg, and Bristol, Virginia. They were the owner/operators of Sunshine Broadcasters Inc./WBCV Christian Radio in Bristol. Although Ruth was raised in church, it was not until the winter of 1965 that she put her faith in Christ and was baptized along with her husband. Ruth served the Lord faithfully beside her husband, who pastored several churches: Chestnut Hill Free Will Baptist Church (Big Island, VA), Lighthouse Free Will Baptist Church (Petersburg, VA), Cornerstone Free Will Baptist Church (Bristol, TN), and Genesis Free Will Baptist Church (Kingsport, TN). She loved to sing gospel music, especially in the shaped-note quartet style. Those who knew her describe Ruth as a sweet, precious lady, who was a blessing to everyone she met. Through her disease, she became an inspiration to many who witnessed her struggle. She suffered without complaint, viewed her situation with humor, loved unconditionally, and never wavered in her faith. Mrs. Dotson is survived by her husband, Jennings, and their two sons, Deacon Newl Dotson of Kingsport and Pastor Chris (Rebecca) Dotson of Morristown. She had four grandchildren, 2LT Philip Dotson of Fort Benning, GA, PFC Andrew Dotson of Fort Carson, CO, Tommy Dotson of Kingsport, and Edan Dotson of the home; three foster grandchildren, Scott Wagner, Shane Perry, and Adam Perry, all of Kingsport; and several great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Loretta (Jim) Harvey of Bluefield, WV, and three sisters-in-law, Versie Mullins of Clintwood, VA, and Ann Baird of Watseka, IL, and Gearldine Beavers; along with several nieces and nephews; her caregiver, Becky Hilliard. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Hazel Beavers, and her brothers, Cledis and Carl Beavers. A special thanks to Becky Hilliard, who provided Mrs. Dotson's care for the past five years. The family will receive friends at Genesis Free Will Baptist Church, 1044 New Beason Well Road, Kingsport, on Saturday from 12 to 2 PM. A service to celebrate Mrs. Dotson's Christian faith will be held at 2 PM, her sons officiating. Pastor Jackie Cole will officiate the interment, which will follow at Holston View Cemetery in Weber City, VA. Her grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Those preferring to make a memorial gift, may donate to the mission fund of Genesis Free Will Baptist Church. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the Dotson family.