Dorothy Wild

Dorothy P. Wild passed away on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012, at the age of 90.Dorothy was born in Chattanooga on May 14, 1922, to Charles and Elsie Porter. She lived her entire life in Chattanooga, graduating from Central High School in 1940 and marrying Thomas A. "T. Wild "Wild Jr. in 1945.Dorothy was a bookkeeper for many years for the Tennessee Valley Authority and later for National Posters. She was an accomplished classical musician. Dorothy began playing the viola in the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra and the Casale Ensemble at the age of 15 and later lent her talents on the viola to the Senior Neighbors Orchestra. She also was active in the Stuart Heights Garden Club and served for many years as its treasurer. Following her retirement, Dorothy devoted much of her time and attention to taking care of her family and maintaining close ties with her long-time friends. She enjoyed visiting with her friends at her kitchen table and on the telephone, watching Regis and Kathy/Kelly (but mostly Regis) on television, and helping T. Wild with tending and harvesting their prolific vegetable garden. Dorothy was preceded in death by T. Wild, with whom she shared a wonderful, enduring marriage of 65 years. She also was predeceased by her brother, Charles Porter.Dorothy is survived by her son, Thomas A. Wild III, of Chattanooga and her daughter, Janis W. Kesser, of Memphis, Janiss husband, Peter, and their daughters, Leigh, Pilar and Shiyan. Dorothy was a long-time member of Asbury Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and was active in the womens group. She later joined St. Luke United Methodist Church after Asbury dissolved. Dorothy was a sweet, gentle person who had many lasting friends. She especially adored and loved her grandchildren, and they felt the same about their beloved Baw-Baw (also known as Bubbie, Bubba and Bubboo). Dorothy will be dearly missed by all who knew her. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home located at 5401 Highway 153 in Hixson. The funeral will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the North Chapel with Rev. Braxton Cotton officiating.The burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery located at 1200 Bailey Avenue. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Northside Neighborhood House or St. Luke United Methodist Church.Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, North Chapel, Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.