Dorothy Porter Simpson

In the early hours of Thursday morning, July 11, 2024, God called his faithful servant, Dorothy Louise Porter Simpson, home. Having almost reached the milestone of 100 years, Dottie passed peacefully from her earthly home through Heaven’s gate, greeted by our Saviour Jesus Christ, and husband of 73 years, Phil (PJ).

They moved to Sevier County in 1955, first residing in the Catlettsburg community and joining Alder Branch Baptist Church, where she was actively involved in establishing the Children’s Nursery and Sunday School, and church kitchen. They later moved to First Baptist Church Sevierville, where she again dedicated herself in the Nursery, Pre-School and Children’s Sunday School and several other ministries of the church. She also served on the Family Life Center building committee, advising on the Nursery and Children’s areas.

Dottie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 73 years Phillip (PJ) Simpson, brothers Herb and Jack, sisters Bobbie, Mary and Peggy, and sons-in-law Brian LaFollette and Mitchell McWhorter.

She leaves her loving family of daughters, Phyllis LaFollette, Jeanne Pierce (Joe), Lois Dahl, Barbara McWhorter, and Trish Simpson; AFS daughter Gabby Vigil; grandchildren Ginny Mills (Robert), Christie Jefferies (John Eric), Cherie Simpson (Shawn), Scott Pierce (Deanna), Aaron Root, Andrew Root (Casey), Allison Yang (Rob); fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She also leaves several bonus kids and friends that are too numerous to mention, generations of cousins, nephews and nieces, but always known to the family as “Aunt Dot”.

“And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.” John 16:22 KJV

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to First Baptist Church Sevierville, 317 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862 and/or Alder Branch Baptist Church, c/o Norman Lindsey, 1180 Lindsey Drive, Sevierville, TN 37876.

The family will receive friends 5 PM – 6:45 PM Monday, July 15, 2024, with funeral service to follow at 7 PM at First Baptist Church, Sevierville. Rev. Dan Spencer will officiate. Family and friends will meet at 11 AM Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens, Pigeon Forge for graveside service and interment. Online condolences may be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com