Valerie Dossett Obituary

Valerie Jordan Dossett

Valerie Jordan Dossett, whose life experiences spanned multiple continents, has died at the age of 90. Born to Robert William and Alice (nee Parkington) Jordan in Accrington, a small borough in Lancashire County in northwest England, Valerie was the fifth of seven children. As a child, she and her siblings often sought shelter during WWII bombing raids, a common occurrence in the industrial region where they lived.

With a passion for show business, Mrs. Dossett began travelling with pantomime shows at age 12, attending schools in the area of each show. Upon finishing secondary school, she joined a professional variety show, starting in the chorus and was soon elevated to the dance team. The company performed all over Europe and North Africa, working for the USO, performing for American troops.

After marrying and starting a family, Valerie came to East Tennessee and completed a degree in nursing. She tended to multiple generations of area residents over two decades, beginning at the Bowman Clinic and later joining the Internal Medicine practice of Miller & Dossett, where she compassionately cared for patients for 18 years.

Manifesting her love of the stage, Mrs. Dossett often graced the stage at the Johnson City Community Theatre, typically taking lead roles in timeless musicals and dramatic plays. She also performed in other area venues and helped to launch the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre, acting as president in the early years. Many may remember Valerie's weekly television appearances on the Kathryn Willis show, promoting adoption of dogs and cats from the local shelter.

In 1981, Valerie married Burgin Dossett, retiring from medicine but not from civic life. She was active in multiple organizations including the Monday Club, Garden Club and as president of the Medical Auxiliary. Perhaps Valerie's greatest joy was her membership at St. John's Episcopal Church where she was in the choir for many years. In later years, Mrs. Dossett became a parishioner at St. Michael's, Kingsport.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Dossett was predeceased by her parents, five siblings (Olive, Freda, Bobby, Brenda & Maria) and stepdaughter, Harriet Kane Slavens.

She is survived by two sons, James William Hall, Jr of Tampa, FL and Christopher Charles (Jane) Hall of Tybee Island, GA as well as a brother, Barrie Jordan in the U.K. Surviving stepchildren include Hunter Dossett-Hickie (Mike), Johnson City; Burgin Dossett III (Laura), Jonesborough; and Patrick Kane Dossett (Heather), Dallas, TX. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Raven Hall, Jordan Hall, Carley Hall Chandler (John), Sarah Delia, Michael Hickie Jr., Burgin Dossett IV (Rhys Burns), William Dossett (Daisie), Elizabeth Dossett, Olivia Dossett, Michael Kane Dossett, Taylor Dossett & Hunter Dossett.

A visitation of friends will be held at Morris Baker Funeral Home on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 4:00pm till 6:00pm.

Funeral services will begin on Monday morning at 10:30am at Morris Baker followed by internment at Monte Vista Cemetery at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any contributions be made to the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre at P.O. Box 585 Jonesborough, TN 37659 in care of Jennifer Bernhardt, or the American Cancer Society.

Sympathies and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Valerie Dossett. 423-282-1521.