Dorothy ‘Dot’ Moore Brooks

Dorothy (Dot) Moore Brooks, a long-time resident of Oak Ridge passed away April 5 at NHC Healthcare Center following complications from a fall at her home.

Born in Memphis on Nov. 12, 1920, Dot was the daughter of William P. and Maud Etner (Ware) Moore. Following the death of her parents, she was raised by her maternal grandparents, William Edgar and Sarah Elizabeth (Yearwood) Ware.

In 1936, she married Henry Vester Ralph, son of Walter G. and Lula J. (Dalton) Ralph of Covington, Tenn. In 1945, Dot and Vester moved to Oak Ridge with their two young daughters. Dot worked at Taylor’s, Loveman’s, and Miller’s department stores in Oak Ridge as an office manager for many years.

Following Vester’s death in 1968, Dot married Charles H. Bowman. Dot and Charles were avid travelers and made many trips around the country during the 28 years they were married. After Charles’ death in 1997, Dot continued to travel, visiting friends and family and playing in bridge tournaments all over the southeastern United States. She was a Life Master with the American Contract Bridge Association. Most recently, Dot was married to Robert W. Brooks (deceased).

Dot was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Following its closure, she and Bob joined West Village Christian Church.

She will be greatly missed by her two daughters, Betty Ann Ralph Stokes (husband, Lloyd) and Dorothy Jean Ralph Hudson (husband, Glen), both of Oak Ridge; stepson, Ron Bowman and wife Dr. Marla Tobin of Warrensburg, Mo.; stepdaughter, Nancy Murray of Clinton; five grandchildren, Lisa Ann Stokes May (husband, Harold) of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Debbie Gay Stokes Hale (husband, Robert) of Collierville, Tenn., Lloyd Mark Stokes (wife, Tammy) of Chattanooga, Tina Elizabeth Harris Philpot (husband, Larry) of Tullahoma, Tenn., Gregory Tyler Stokes (wife, Robyn) of Houston, Texas; step-grandson, Tim (wife, Dana) Hudson, of Knoxville; seven great-grandchildren, Staff Sgt. Christopher Claiborne (wife, Chelsea), Kelsey Stokes Todd (husband, George), Christina Eileen May, Hannah Leigh May, Andrew Austin Stokes, Kiley Rae Witte, and Sarah Elizabeth Stokes; and step-great-grandchildren, Jacob and Miranda Hudson. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Scott Anthony Harris.

The family received friends Monday, April 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral service was held at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Weatherford Mortuary with Rev. Bruce Martin officiating. The graveside service was Tuesday, April 9, at 12:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

An online guest book may be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.