Dorothy "Dot" Patterson Elrod Owens, 93, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2016, eight years after moving from their longtime home in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband of 67 years, William (Bill) James Owens, to live in the home of their daughter in Smyrna, Georgia. Bill passed away on March 25, 2011.

Dot was born on April 22, 1923, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to Hubert Clay and Eloise Patterson Elrod, was raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and was sister to Gloria Elrod Shinn (deceased), of Murfreesboro and later Bradenton, Florida.

Bill and Dot were married on May 29, 1943 in Murfreesboro, TN. Thereafter, Bill and Dot lived in Murfreesboro and Nashville, had four children; Patricia (died 13 days after birth of a hospital borne disease), Robert (of Miami, FL), Richard (deceased, of Nashville, TN) and Gloria (of Smyrna, GA). Dot is also survived by 4 grandchildren; Adam Owens (of Atlanta, GA), Christy Owens Loren (of Pleasant Hill, CA), Heather Martin-Owens (of Floral Park, NY), and Lisa Martin-Owens (of Miami, FL) and a great-grandchild Kathryn Loren.

Dot was a stay-at-home Mom who dedicated her life to her family with unconditional love and nurturing support. She worked tirelessly making sure that her husband and children had everything they needed. She was the consummate hostess and second mother to the friends and musical bandmates of her children. She had a natural ability to make people laugh and was loved by people of all ages. After her children left the nest, Dot filled her time by working part time for the American Bankers Association in Nashville. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends and spending time with her grandchildren. Dot was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Respecting Dot's wishes, there will not be a funeral service or visitation, just a short graveside service and burial at 2 PM on June 26, 2016 at Evergreen Cemetery in Murfreesboro, TN.

In Dot's memory, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Alzheimer's Association ( www.alz.org ), or NYU Langone Medical Center ( www.nyulangone.org ) and select Alzheimer's Disease Center, or the charity of your choice .

Woodfin Funeral Chapel, Murfreesboro, TN, is in charge of local arrangements. 615-893-5151.