BBBTV12 Serving Anderson, Roane, and Morgan Counties
Dorothy “Dot” McGaha Bernander, 91, of Oak Ridge, was surrounded by family and friends when she went to meet the Lord on July 21, 2026.
She was born in Newport Tennessee, on November 29, 1934. Her family moved to Oak Ridge in 1944, and she graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1952.
Dot was an executive secretary at Y-12 for many years while raising her family. She was a role model for young working mothers. She was a great cook and loved to bake goodies for family and friends.
Dot was preceded in death by her parents Lila Ethyl McGaha and Bruce Robinson McGaha; her husband Nels Kenneth Bernander, that loved her dearly; her son Donald “Butch” Horace Woullard; and her siblings Donald Bruce McGaha and Pat McGaha Mason.
She is survived by her daughters, Sherry Woullard McGhee (Jeff) and Karen Farner (Jerry); Grandchildren, Heather McGhee, Jared Farner, Jeff McGhee, Jr. (Emily), Sarah Farner Rump (Jason), Donna Woullard and Kendra Woullard; five great granddaughters; her sisters Carolyn McGaha Shelton, and Nancy McGaha Hyde (Bobby); many nieces and nephews, and her longtime friend Marty Tidwell.
The family would like to express our gratitude to her personal caregivers, Joyce Swicegood and Jeannie Macquire, that lovingly cared for her. They became family to her.
We would also like to thank the nurses and staff at the Glen in Oak Ridge for the loving care of her and her family in her last days.
There will be a graveside service for Dorothy at noon on Monday, July 27th at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the following:
RIO Central Church Canton First Methodist Church
Hope With A Hammer Ed Towers Community Fund
307 Long Hollow Road 950 Lower Scott Mill Road
Maryville, TN 37801 Canton, GA 30115
