Dorothy Jean Belcher

Dorothy Jean Belcher, age 87, of Maryville, went home to be with her Lord on November 22. A woman of deep faith, she loved Jesus with all her heart and lived a life that reflected His grace and kindness. Dorothy is now reunited with the love of her life, Charles Belcher, to whom she was married for 56 years before his passing in 2012.

Born and raised in Blount County, Dorothy was a 1955 graduate of Alcoa High School and was raised by her parents, Sarah and Emory Anderson, along with her four brothers. As a devoted homemaker, she poured her love into raising five remarkable daughters—Pamela, Darlene, Julie, Janet, and Audra—of whom she was immensely proud. Watching them grow into strong, loving women raising their own families was the greatest joy of her life. Known with endless affection as Nanny, she was the patient, kind, and loving grandmother who never missed a chance to brag about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her happiest hours were spent watching classic films, listening to the songs that carried her back in time, quilting beautiful patterns to prepare for her next quilt show, and sharing stories with those she loved.

Dorothy was a prolific quilter whose beautiful, handmade, award-winning quilts warmed countless beds, laps, and hearts. She found delight in the pages of history and spent many happy hours tracing the branches of the family tree, preserving stories for generations to come. A true cat lover, she always shared her home with cats. None held a more special place in her heart than her beloved Clancy.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her parents, Sarah and Emory Anderson; her brothers, Bill, Bob, and Jim Anderson; and her beloved granddaughter, Brendle Sara Overly. She is survived by her daughters Pamela Guider, Darlene Tipton Mulkey (Tracy), Julie Evans, Janet Overly (Brian), and Audra Young (Brad); her grandchildren, Diedra Darlene Murphy (Mike), Zack Tipton (Samantha), Brittany Loy (Neal), Mallorie Mendence (Eddie), Brennen Overly, Hillary Guider, Mollie Edwards (Austin), Bailey Brown (Austin), and Cameron Young; great-grandchildren, Gage Murphy (Chloe), Aaron Tipton, Maelyn Guider, Jack Loy, Paislee Mendence, Nate Loy, Asher Mendence, and Willow Myers; and her brother JD Anderson, as well as a wide circle of family and friends who will miss her gentle smile and steadfast love.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at stjude.org.