Dorothy "Dot' Brooks Reich

Dorothy Brooks Reich, 90, of Dalton, passed away peacefully at her home in Dalton, GA on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. Dot was born on December 21, 1931. She is survived by her husband, James Robert Reich, Sr.; daughters, Cynthia (Ed) Reich Montalvo, Patty (Jim) Reich Giuliani, and son, James (Peggy) Robert Reich, Jr. Dot is also survived by eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death are sisters, Ruth Brooks Pruitt and Enid Brooks Telschow, and brother, Jim Brooks.

Dot began her 40-year journey in 1962 with Hamilton Medical Center as a Red Cross Volunteer. Her work as a volunteer fueled her deep care and concern for people from all walks of life.

In 1982, Dot was serving as Chairman of the Annual Support Committee of the Whitfield Healthcare Foundation. Dot met with then-editor of the Daily Citizen News Neely Young to ask for his support for a year-end giving appeal—Love Light Trees. Thus began the 35-year Love Lights partnership between the Foundation and the Daily Citizen News.

Dot was extremely active as a member of First Baptist Church of Dalton. Some of her accomplishments included: four decades of teaching Sunday School; singing in the Church Choir; leader of Women’s Circles; being chosen as the first woman deacon of the Church; serving on a variety of Church committees and volunteering in the Church Office. She also started the Bereavement Ministry at First Baptist. Dot was integral in the development and growth of the First Foundation, serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the First Foundation for many years.

What is truly exceptional about Dot’s volunteer service and board leadership is that she began serving when women were yet to be in leadership positions on boards. Dot was known for her achievements in volunteerism, infectious laugh, love of life, and a concern for all people.

The family will hold a private service at home. A celebration of Dot’s life will be held at a future date.

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The family will hold a combined service for Jim and Dot at First Baptist Church on Saturday, January 7, 2023. The family will receive friends for visitation from 1 to 3 PM on that Saturday with a funeral service to follow at 3 PM with Pastor Jonathan Barlow officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Foundation.