John Dotson was born May 30, 1930, in Lower Peach Tree, Alabama. He was the second youngest of seven children born to John Wesley Dotson and Sylvia Frye. He was educated in the Monroe County Alabama Public School System.

John recognized his purpose in life, accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior as a child in Alabama and attended the Apostolic Holiness Church of God. John was baptized later at Williams Temple Church of God in Christ, where he remained a member until his passing.

John was united in holy matrimony to Evelyn Kimbrough on May 8, 1955. They moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1957. Four children were born to this union: John (Lonnie), Lisa, Dwayne, and Bernard.

John had been a hard worker all his life, starting at around the early age of 15 years old. His first job was at Scotch Lumber Company in Fulton, Alabama. After moving to Cleveland, his first job was at Cleaners Hangers for many years. Then he was employed at Republic/LTV Steel, where he retired after more than 30 years of service. He also worked at Star Muffler Shop part-time for 20 years in addition to his regular job. After retirement from the Steel Mill, he worked at the Stratton House. He loved to work and keep busy.

John always kept himself busy by cutting the grass and blowing the leaves for himself and most of the neighborhood. His true passion was fishing, fishing, fishing. He also loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. So, he would spend all day fishing with his sons, friends, and other family. He usually did very well and was so generous he would give all the fish away to anyone who wanted it. He will be remembered for being so kind, generous, and loving.

John departed this life suddenly on Friday, December 30, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley Dotson, and Sylvia Frye; his loving wife, Evelyn; his siblings, Caroline Anderson, Annie Cunningham, Bertha Lee Carstarphen, Sally Lucille Anderson, Will Kidd, Tom Kidd, and William Dotson.

He leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter, Lisa Mack of Bedford Hts., Ohio; three sons, John (Lonnie) Dotson, of Dallas, Texas, Dwayne (Bobbie) Dotson of Toledo, Ohio, and Bernard (Talitha) Dotson of Cleveland, Ohio; twelve grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives, and friends.

“Dad you were the Patriarch of our family, we love you, and truly miss you.”

                                                                                    Lovingly submitted by the family