Dorothy Lerene Fitts was born on May 18, 1928 in Gallatin, TN to the late William Fitts and Emma Mai Adams Fitts Duncan. She spent her childhood years in Gallatin. She attended school in the Sumpter school system in Gallatin where she graduated from Gallatin High School. Dorothy attended and graduated from Tennessee State University in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education with a minor in history. She moved to Detroit after completing college at Tennessee State University.
As she continued to pursue her career, Dorothy met and married the late Bernard Hall in 1955.
She continued pursuing higher education while attending Eastern Michigan University, in Ypsilanti, Michigan where she received a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1968. She also received a Master of Arts degree as a Reading Specialist from Marygrove College in 1980. She was a member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated.
Dorothy taught at a junior college in Rogersville, TN from 1951 – 1952. She worked for the Internal Revenue Service as a clerk assistant from 1952 – 1961. She then took a teaching position for the Detroit Public School System where she taught elementary education. She taught at Isaac Newton Elementary school for many years. While there, she became a reading coordinator and a student teacher advisor. She devoted 25 years of her career to the Detroit Public Schools system before retiring. Throughout her years of service, she touched the lives of countless children, supported their families, and was a dedicated member of the school community. Her compassion, commitment, and unwavering dedication left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.
Dorothy was a deeply devoted Christian joining church at a very young age, because of her religious teaching from her mother. She was a member of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church. She was an active participant in the church choir, Mother’s Ministry and other church organizations. Her faith in God remained steadfast throughout her life. R. Charles G. Adams was also on her map. One of her most memorable trips was to Africa where she visited Goree Island. Dorothy had many great times during her trips to the Caribbean Islands.
Dorothy will always be remembered for her love and devotion to family and friends. She was never lost for words and was known for her outspoken presence. Though her words could be sharp when they needed to be, they were always rooted in love, and those who knew her best understood that beneath her tough exterior was a heart that cared deeply for others.
After retirement Dorothy took on the responsibility of taking care of her husband and mother due to health issues. She will especially be remembered for the love and the great caregiver she was for her mother, who lived to be 105 years old. Her mother was the love of her life even as her health began to slow her down. She was always in her presence.
Dorothy’s transition will be a time to remember her final moment being the time to meet again with (as she called her) “Mother”. Her mother’s words were always within her heart.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Hall; Mother, Emma Mai Adams Fitts Duncan; father, William Fitts; brother, Robert Fitts; grandmother, Cora Adams.
Dorothy leaves to cherish her memories special friends: Geraldine Johnson & family of Southfield, MI; Jerlene Douglas, of Pueblo, CO; Rosaline Stanley of Lathrop Village, MI; and Rev Lionel Scott of Sterling Heights, MI; and her Hartford Memorial Baptist Church Family.
Visitation with the Family
Thursday, July 16, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Johnson & Coleman Funeral Home
723 Anthony Street
Gallatin, Tennessee
The Service of Committal & Interment
Crestview Memorial Gardens
Gallatin, Tennessee
https://www.johnsonandcolemanfh.com
“Well done, good and faithful servant” – Matthew 25:23
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