Dorothy Gannon
Dorothy Ann (Sharber) Gannon, lauded artist, 88, of Chattanooga, died Saturday, January 6, 2018, at the Lantern at Morning Pointe.
“Dot” was a communicant of Grace Episcopal Church, a regionally awarded painter, an avid traveler, and a spirited athlete.
Born on a farm in Rockvale, Tn., on May 10, 1929, to Virgil and Pearl (Jackson) Sharber, she married Edwin Wendell Gannon, Sr., at 19.
The young family moved from Murfreesboro to East Ridge in 1960, where Dot worked at a framing store and later at the family-owned Gannon Art Center.
Dot devoted herself to her artwork once the nest was empty, winning awards for her land- and seascapes inspired by local scenery and travel, as well as for her abstract paintings and collages.
She was a founding member of the In-Town Gallery, the first cooperative art exhibition space in the area. She travelled widely, tugging “E.W.” along to destinations in Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Dot, an alto, sang in the Sweet Adelines, the church choir, and the kitchen at home. She was an elegant hostess with a smile so wide it spread to those around her.
Dot was the matriarch of a large and joyous family and went to her rest having been surrounded by the sounds of their fellowship and laughter in her final days.
She was preceded in death by husband of 49 years Edwin Wendell Gannon, Sr., and six siblings, Garret, James, Cloras, Talmadge, William, and Robert.
Survivors include her sister, Mary (Vester) Ross; children Cheryl (Chuck Bialeschki) Gannon, Melissa (William Henninger) Gannon, Edwin W. (Elaine Peters-Gannon) Gannon, Jr., and Richard M. (Dawn) Gannon, II; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Grace Episcopal Church at 1 p.m. on Thursday, followed by memorial service at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hearth Hospice.
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to view the memorial tribute and express condolences.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.