Emma Jane Dosser

Emma Jane (Janie) Dosser, age 92, of Johnson City, died in her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, July 17, 2025. 

 She was born Emma Jane Buell in Lore City, Ohio, on October 15, 1932, the first child of Marcellene Woodrum Buell and Vernon Roy Buell. Her father died when she was five years old, leaving her mother to raise her and her brother Jim. When she was growing up, her family also lived in Clifton, West Virginia and Middleport, Ohio, where Janie graduated from Middleport High School. After high school she attended Bethesda Hospital School of Nursing in Cincinnati, graduating in 1953. She met her future husband, Albert Thomas Dosser, III (Tom), at the Wesley Foundation at the University of Cincinnati. They were wed in Middleport on June 14, 1953, and were married for sixty-one years. They raised six children together - Amy, Al, Jim, Beth, Ralph, and Sara.

 Janie started her nursing career in the polio ward of Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She left nursing for the next twenty years to raise her children. She then returned to nursing as instructor of the practical nursing program at the Johnson City Vocational School. During this period, she received her BS and MS in Adult Education from UT Knoxville, graduating at the top of her class in the master's program. After thirteen years at the Vocational School, she accepted a position at JC Medical Center as Director of Nursing Education. In 1990 she was presented the Meritorious Service Award by the Tennessee Hospital Association as the Director of the Year. She worked until 2002, when she retired as Director of Organizational Development for Mountain States Health Alliance. After retirement she continued serving as chair of the MSHA Pastoral Care Committee along with service on a great number of other committees. She also served as secretary of the Ripshin Corporation for many years.

 Janie was a loyal member of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church starting in 1959. There she took on leadership roles over many years including as Sunday school teacher, circle teacher; for many years she wrote Advent daily devotional booklets for the congregation that were enjoyed by many. She was also honored by Milligan College Leaders in Christian Service in 2005. She served on mission trips to Alaska, Kenya, and Mexico and was a leader in the formation of the United Emmaus Community in her local area.

 In her retirement, she continued to nurture strong bonds with and among her children, and grandchildren, and with her church. She is known for growing fabulous ferns and keeping Christmas well.

Janie was preceded in death by her father, Vernon Buell and her mother, Marcellene Woodrum Buell; her beloved husband, Tom; her brother, James Buell; and her youngest son, Ralph Arthur Dosser. 

 She is survived by her daughters Amy Dosser, Beth Dosser, and Sara Moore (Marc); her sons Al Dosser and Jim (Foggy) Dosser (Vivian); grandchildren Thomas Kellum, Michael Kellum (Naomi), Max Dosser (Brenna), Madison Dosser, Emily Hossler (Nick), Lucy Moore (Shaun), Merry Moore (Rishi), and Elijah Moore; great-grandchildren Gabriel and Arthur Hossler and Sophie Dosser; and a host of friends, including her beloved Mermaids. She was loved by many.

 A celebration of Janie's life will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Munsey Memorial UMC. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Music Program of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church 201 East Market Street, Johnson City, TN 37605.

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

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is serving the Dosser family. (423) 282-1521