Dorothy Jean Gass

Dorothy Jean Gass, age 92, passed away April 23, 2026. She was born July 4, 1933 in Strawberry Plains, the youngest child of eight born to Joe and Lou Gaut. Jean graduated from Rush Strong High and became an R.N. at Baptist Hospital after graduating from their School of Nursing. While a student she met her future husband, Merrill Gass. Together they raised two sons and lived her entire life in Dandridge. After working a short time as a public health nurse, she joined her husband operating Gass Pharmacy until Merrill’s death in 1993. She served as an Alderwoman for the Town of Dandridge for two terms. When first elected she was in a group of two who were the first women ever elected to the Board of Mayor and Alderman. Jean began her second career as a grandmother. She instilled in both her sons and her grandchildren her values for family, friendship and kindness to all persons. She loved all people and enjoyed a good sense of humor. She spent her last years as a resident of the Franklin House at the Jefferson County Nursing Home where she continued to enjoy new friendships. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Jim and Lauren Gass, Dan and Ann Gass; grandchildren Anderson Gass, Link Gass, William Gass (Kaela) and Elizabeth Gass Lytle (Jacob), along with great-grandchildren Emma Lytle and Caroline Gass, and a wonderful group of nieces and nephews. The family is especially grateful for all the kindness extended to her by each of the staff at Franklin House and all her close friends there who so richly added to her life.

Friends and family will gather for a graveside service on Sunday, April 26th, at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery in Dandridge. Immediately following the graveside service, the family will also gather with friends for a reception at The Shepard Inn in Dandridge to celebrate Jean’s life.

ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME, DANDRIDGE, TN 37725