Dorothy Millicent Mason Kearley

Dorothy Millicent Mason Kearley was born November 15, 1926, in Essex County in England. She was 95 years old and a member of the United Methodist Church. Her parents Arthur and Caroline Mason, also of Essex County England. She met and married in England, Charles Richard Kearley, Jr., while he was serving with the U.S. forces during WWII. She and her daughter came to this country in 1946 to make her home here and settled in Cumberland County. To this union four children were born, daughter Marlene Yvonne Kearley of Cumberland County; the late Sandra Marie Kearley; son, Richard Arthur Kearley of Cumberland County; and son, Clayton Allen Kearley of Knoxville, TN with wife, Lesleigh. There are four grandchildren, Cathy Hatfield and partner James Staley of Cumberland County; Charles Hatfield of Sparta, TN; David Hatfield of Cumberland County; and Richard Kearley of North Carolina. Five great-grandchildren, James and Jake Hatfield of White County; Justin and Jessica Kearley of North Carolina; and Chloe Melton of Knoxville. She also leaves behind family in the United Kingdom, niece, Janet Hunter and family; and nephews, Alan, Barry, Peter, and Gary Mason and families. A host of friends she has made through the years. Dorothy had many stories of times living in England (sometimes dangerous) during the 6-year war, but one thing she did say, regardless of the circumstances, children went to school carrying their gas masks, etc. Teachers knew what to do. She also spoke of learning the currency and American way of life. It was sometimes quite hard, food etc. So many trees and hot weather, but this she said, “I made it,” and she loved you all for helping her through. And thank you Glenda for your gift.