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Dorothy “Dot” Potter Oaks passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Ivy Hall Nursing Home in Elizabethton, Tenn. Dot, the eldest child of the late J.M. “Poga” Potter and Catherine Hopson Potter, was born on April 24, 1928. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, E.Y. Oaks; her son, Robert “Bobby” Oaks; and her siblings, Mae Hodge, Leota Holsclaw and J.M. “Bud” Potter Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Greenlee and her husband Jim Greenlee; her granddaughter, Jennifer Oaks; and grandsons, Michael Greenlee and wife Leslie Jones Greenlee and Adam Greenlee and wife Haley McClanahan Greenlee. She was “Granny Dot” to her great-grandchildren, Abram, Blaine, Davis and Elliot.

Dot was a graduate of Elizabethton High School and attended East Tennessee State University. After her marriage to E.Y., her most beloved job was being a wife and a mother. She was actively involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives in every possible way.

From her early twenties until her health no longer allowed, she served in her home church, Immanuel Baptist, in many capacities. She showed her love for Jesus and others all her life. In her retirement years, she enjoyed teaching sign language and her relationships with her deaf friends.

When her children were teenagers, Dot began a career as a teaching assistant in the Elizabethton and Carter County Schools, retiring when she was 75.

A celebration graveside service for Dorothy “Dot” Potter Oaks will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 3, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Pastor Tim Tapp officiating. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 1:50 p.m. Wednesday. Special thanks from the family go to Sycamore Springs Assisted Living, where Dot spent seven happy years, and to Ivy Hall Nursing Home, where she was given outstanding care by the loving staff. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, 205 Hunter Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or to the Elizabethton Senior Center, 428 East G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home-Riverside Chapel, 211 North Riverside, Elizabethton, TN 37643 is honored to serve the family of Dorothy “Dot” Potter Oaks. Office Phone (423) 542-2232; Obituary Line Information (423) 543-4917.