Dorothy Doty Mann (Dot) passed away on February 26, 2023 after succumbing to complications from a fall on Christmas evening. Dot was born March 9, 1930, to Ruth and Alvon Doty. She spent her childhood and youth in Jackson, MS, Sioux City, IA, and Chattanooga, TN. After attending various elementary schools, Dot attended Girls Preparatory School (GPS) in Chattanooga, a place where she learned to love Latin and the classics and formed lifelong friendships. After GPS Dot continued her education at Millsaps College, graduating in 1950. Early in her freshman year while attending a dance, Dot noticed a handsome and talented upper classman singing with the dance band. That singer, Billy Mann, captured her heart, and they married February 17, 1951, and celebrated 71 years of marriage before Billy’s death on April 19, 2022. Dot and Billy raised their family of three children in Carthage, MS, until moving to Jackson in 1970. At that time Dot joined Jackson Prep’s first faculty as the Latin teacher and Foreign Language department chair. After ten wonderful years at Prep, Dot retired from teaching but continued to be a diehard Prep fan and supporter, most recently following the Prep journey of two of her great grandsons. In addition to her deep love for Prep, Dot loved First Baptist Jackson and its music ministry. As the granddaughter of Dr. W.A. Hewitt, pastor of FBJ from 1918-1946, she was truly “raised in the church.” Dot was a loyal member of the sanctuary choir for most of her adult life and was most proud to have been a member of the Back Row Altos during Larry Black’s years as choir director. Dot was preceded in death by her parents (Ruth and Al Doty), sister (Ann Doty), and husband (Billy Mann). She is survived by her children – Melissa Irby (Randy Barton), Allyn Ray (S.T.), Doug Mann (Janet); her grandchildren – Stuart Irby (Elizabeth), Natalie Irby, Emily Oswalt (Matt), Douglas Ray, Sydney Mann, Will Mann; and her great grandsons – Thomas Hewitt Oswalt, Andrew Oswalt, Matthew Oswalt, Jacob Irby, Chalmers Irby, and Saunders Irby; her brother, Al Doty (BJ), and her longtime caregiver and dearest friend, Angela Samuel. The family also thanks and extends deep appreciation to D. Terry, Addie Mitchell, Ella Baker, and Lucrise Thomas for tending to Dot these last few months. Memorials may be sent to Jackson Preparatory School or First Baptist Jackson music ministry. There will be a celebration of life for Dot at Northminster Baptist Church on Friday, March 3 at 11:00 a.m.
