Dorothy Gonzales Jackson met her Savior on July 2, 2026. She was born on March 9, 1937, the only child of Frank and Edna Michel, in Flushing, New York. Dorothy was a resident of Murfreesboro for over 60 years. She began her life in Murfreesboro as the wife of airman, Jim Gonzales (deceased) and mother of three daughters, Robin (Bob) Meyer, Jania Doud (deceased) and Sandra (Greg ) VerBeek. She remarried years later to Ralph Jackson (deceased) where they shared a lovely life for more than 20 years. Dorothy is also survived by six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Her greatest legacy was the kindness and joy she demonstrated to her spouses, children, grandchildren and friends. Dorothy was known for her sweet “love notes” she often wrote to anyone who needed cheering up or who needed a thank you for a kindness she received.
Dorothy loved her church and loved to dance, travel and play cards. She hosted many a card and bunco game nights with her friends and family. She was a fabulous cook and baker. Dorothy touched countless lives while serving her community. She was a Girls Scouts troop leader, PTA president, Toastmasters’ president, HOA board member and a faithful member/volunteer of St. Paul’s Episcopal church for over 60 years.
She reinvented her career many times over. When Murfreesboro was just a small country town, she earned extra money by selling Tupperware in the late 1950’s. She worked at Paramount packaging for a short stint then was employed at Sears where she worked for over 35 years. In the early 1970’s, she started her own tax business in addition to working at Sears. She was trusted by the many people she helped with their taxes and established an abundance of friendships along the way.
We, Dot’s family, extend our heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and friends who supported our mother with unwavering love and compassion during her final years battling Alzheimer’s. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Dorothy’s name to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 116 N. Academy St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130.
In celebration of a life well lived, we invite you to wear bright or colorful attire rather than traditional black. Your colorful clothing will help us honor a life filled with joy, love, and happiness.
Visitation with the family will be at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 1:00 pm until the time of a memorial service beginning at 2:00 pm. A Celebratory reception will follow at the church.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Woodfin Funeral Chapels, and an online guestbook is available for the family at www.woodfinchapel.com.
