Dolly Dee Nabors

Dolly Dee Nabors, a lifelong resident of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, in Bartlett, Tennessee. Born on October 9, 1936, as Dolly Dee Dawkins, she graduated from Tredwell High School in 1954 and attended Memphis State University.

Dolly began her remarkable career with the Boy Scouts of America, Chickasaw Council, in 1956. Over six decades of dedicated service, she became the longest-tenured employee in the organization’s history, processing nearly 6,000 Eagle Scout applications. Her unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on the Scouting community.

A devoted member of Ellendale Baptist Church (EBC), Dolly cherished her faith and the fellowship she found there. She especially enjoyed participating in the monthly OASIS luncheons and trips with her church family. Dolly also treasured her local connections with her hairstylist at Kelly’s Kuts, her dog groomer at Lynn’s Dog Grooming, and her manicurist Christa McCloud. To Dolly, every friend was a lifelong friend.

Her love for animals was evident throughout her life, particularly for Siamese cats and later her beloved Malti-Poo, Hayley, and Hayley’s companion, Brutus. She also enjoyed traveling with her daughter Dee and son-in-law Thomas, earning the affectionate nickname "Dolly Mama" from friends and family.

Dolly is survived by her daughters, Dee Thornton (Thomas) and Denise Hendley (Kirk); her grandchildren, Scott Smith, Anthony Smith, Julianne Thornton-Smidt (Zach), Sean Thornton, and Zachary Hendley; her great-grandchild, James Smidt; her sister, Phylis Duncan; and her niece, Donna Duncan.

Services to celebrate Dolly’s life will be held at Memphis Funeral Home, 3700 N. Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. Visitation will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Friday, June 12, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. A Celebration of Life will follow on Friday at 10:00 AM with refreshments served from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either of the following organizations:

Chickasaw Council Endowment Fund 171 S. Hollywood St., Memphis, TN 38112 www.chickasaw.org

Ellendale Baptist Church Building Fund 3861 Broadway Rd, Bartlett, TN 38135 www.ellendale.org

Dolly will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched.