Charlene Gholson Dotson

On Thursday, July 21, 2011, at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center, Charlene (Gholson) Dotson of Newport peacefully passed away at 83 years of age from complications due to stroke and pneumonia. Born Aug. 11, 1927 in Kevil, Ky., Charlene was the daughter of Herman Gholson and Helena Harris (Gholson). She had only one sibling, James Lindell Gholson, and they were very close growing up together on the family farm. One of her favorite stories to tell about growing up on the farm was about the time she caught a pig by its tail, and the tail came off! After living in St. Louis for a number of years, Charlene met and eventually married Dr. Oras L. Dotson on June 24, 1950. They established roots in Newport, Ark., and were shortly called up by the armed forces to live in West Germany for two years. She often spoke highly of this experience. They returned to the states, and came back to their lives in Newport. Beginning their residence, she worked with Bectel Corp in the front office, venturing into years as a homemaker. In 1982, she began a career in real estate. Throughout this time, she also acquired and managed property, controlling her commercial interests. They were members of the First Baptist Church in Newport, and one of her favorite activities was reading and interpreting the Bible. Her other hobbies included sewing, cooking, trying new things, bargain shopping, sharing advice, and keeping her yard and garden in immaculate condition. She was a longtime member of Newport Investment Club, Newport Senior Circle, and other organizations. Charlene is survived by her daughter, Petra Lin (Dotson) Dawson and husband Dudley; her son, Drew L. Dotson; six grandchildren, Dylan, Camille, Bennett, Ashlyn, Lindsey, and Brooks; two sisters-in-law, Mildred (Dotson) Watson, and Katherine (Dotson) Norwood; nephews, nieces, and a countless number of friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Oras L. Dotson; brother, Jimmy Gholson; four brothers-in-law, James Dotson, Millard Watson, Tracy Norwood, and Coye Dotson; and two sisters-in-law, Betty Dotson and Dormilee Dotson. Friends may visit at the funeral home Sunday evening, 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, July 25 at 10 a.m. at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. "Never to old to learn" Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.