Dorris Bone

Mrs. Dorris E. Bone, 95, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Life Care Center of Collegedale. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 40 years, John W. Bone and daughter, Debra Bone. In addition, she was preceded in death by her parents, John Ristie McGhee and Viola Charlotte McGhee; brothers, Thomas and John Frank McGhee, and sister, Sonia McGhee Williams. Dorris was a graduate of Howard School, Class of 1940. She was employed by the U. S. Tennessee Valley Authority as the first female mail room employee responsible for “Hot Mail” deliveries during the War. She retired after 34 years of service from the Reproduction Department of the Agency. Mrs. Bone enjoyed Christian Music and loved the music of Bill and Gloria Gaither. She served as pianist at Stanley UMC, Bethel AME Church, Cosmopolitan Christian Church, and Warren Chapel AME Church where she held membership. She also served as the Pianist of the Male Chorus at Warren Chapel. Dorris extended her love for music by singing Alto in the Chattanooga Choral Society for the Preservation of African American Song for over 30 years. Dorris loved crafts. She was an avid seamstress and reader. She enjoyed needle work, crocheting and other crafts. Her proudest accomplishment was learning to tailor men’s clothing and custom tailoring a suit for her husband. She also enjoyed puzzles and word games. Dorris was also a member of the M. R. S. Bridge Club. Her survivors include her daughter, Alice F. Bone Oliver, of Port Ludlow, Wash.; niece, Karen (Melvin) Purnell-Engramof Orlando, Fla.; nephews, Boyer (Virginia) Purnell, Franklin (Kathy Ann) Purnell and Michael McGhee, all of Chattanooga; sisters-in-law, Wynona McGhee, Chattanooga, and Jacola Gaines, Columbia, Tenn. She is also survived by a host of great-nieces and nephews and her special adopted sisters, Dorothy (Erskin)Peoples, Pat Varnell, and Evelyn S. Young. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 16, 2018, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the John P. Franklin Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with the family being available at 10 a.m. Burial will take place at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request that you make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Dorris. Final arrangements entrusted to the John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 423-622-9995.