Betty Sue Bellah Dossett, age 87, (August 27, 1937 – March 26, 2025), of LaFollette

Wife of Franklin Delano Dossett. Mother of three, “Mom,” “Aunt Betty,” and “Mamminaw” to generations in Campbell County and beyond.

Her life was immeasurable but can be summed up simply: Betty cared, and she extended that care to anyone and everyone. After completing her nursing education at Saint Mary’s in Knoxville, she worked first at a coal mining camp in Harlan, Kentucky, before marrying Frank Dossett and settling in Campbell County, where she spent more than three decades caring for patients at LaFollette Medical Center. 

Her care came from a place that was unquestionably authentic because she and Frank experienced profound loss. After their son Bo’s life was tragically ended in an alcohol-related car crash, Betty harnessed her grief to support others battling addiction and substance abuse. Later in life, she served as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), representing the interests of abused or neglected children. Her efforts inspired many in her community, and she was named Campbell County Woman of the Year in 2005.

Betty cared enough to listen without judgment, to give tough love when it was needed. She cared enough to help laugh through life’s messiest challenges, endearing her to friends, family, and innumerable honorary sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews over the years. She lived by the words: If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Preceded in death by son Franklin (“Bo”) Dossett, Jr. and nephew Stephen Dossett; parents James and Helen Bellah; and sister Margaret “Peggy” Hayes. Survived by daughter Sharon Brown of Madisonville; son and daughter-in-law David and Lori Dossett of LaFollette; TN; grandchildren Ashley, Bo, Bryce, Crystal, Dakota, John, Thomas, and soon to be 12 great-grandchildren; brother Richard Bellah of Knoxville, TN; special nieces and nephew Jill Collier and Patsy Hensley, Holly Hensley, and Wesley Hensley.

Betty’s family is grateful to Shirley Brooks, Charlene Campbell, Anna Ellison, Ann Garner, Dr. Aleoma Oculam, Kim Robbins, and Cindy Ward, who were there when it wasshe who needed care.

Family will receive friends 12-2 PM Saturday, March 29, 2025, at LaFollette Methodist Church with funeral service to follow at 2 PM, Rev. Chris Stanfield, Rev. Billy Smith officiating. Interment to follow funeral service at Mt. Zion Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to CASA Tennessee (https://www.tncasa.org/).

Arrangements by Cross-Smith Funeral Home

Condolences may be given online to the family of Betty Sue Bellah Dossett at http://www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com 

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