Dorothy Michaelis

Dorothy "Dot" Michaelis, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025. She was born on January 31, 1928, in Fulton, Missouri, and graduated from American Management School in New York City. In 1956, Dot married John Kenneth Michaelis in Charlotte, North Carolina. Together, they raised two children, Janet Helen and John Tod. Dot was a dedicated and loving mother, who spent many years involved in her children's lives and community activities.

Dot had a long and successful career, first working as a Sales Order Manager at Pneumafil Corporation, and later moving to Atlanta in 1961, where she continued to make a positive impact. She was a committed volunteer, particularly in scouting programs for both girls and boys. Her passion for swimming was evident as she became actively involved in AAU swimming, serving in various offices within the Decatur Dekalb YMCA competitive swimming program and the Georgia Aquatic Council. Dot’s commitment to the sport also led her to organize the Dixie Classic Swim Meet.

A lover of golf, Dot was an integral part of several golf organizations, including the Forest Hills Golf Club, Stone Mountain Ladies Golf, Mystery Valley Ladies Golf, and the Georgia Senior Ladies Golf Association. She played in tournaments across the Southeast and was one of the founders of the Toby Invitational in Ormond Beach, Florida. Dot’s musical talent was evident early in life when she won first place at the Missouri State Music Festival for a solo performance on the saxophone. She also had the honor of marching in the Truman/Churchill parade, where she met both President Harry Truman and Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Additionally, Dot was a member of several dance bands. Dot was an exceptional gardener, with a deep love for plants and flowers. She took pride in her collection of over 50 bonsai trees and hundreds of rare plants. Birdwatching also brought her much joy. Her appreciation for antiques was evident in her treasured collection, which included rare Indian artifacts.

In her later years, Dot worked at the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Center and the Atlanta Market Center, where she supervised registration and greeted visitors from all over the world.

Dot was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Helen Breid Dickson, and her brother, Glenn Dickson. She is survived by her daughter, Jan Bilthouse, her son, Tod Michaelis, five grandchildren—Keely, Kelsey, Christian, Lacie, and Sophie—and one great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her sister, Jo Hord, of California, and numerous nieces and nephews in Missouri and California.

A longtime member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Dot’s faith and kindness touched all who knew her. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, March 1st at 1:00 PM, HM Patterson & Son Oglethorpe Hill Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Dot's memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends. She will be deeply missed.