Rebecca Lou Dooley 06/05/1953 - 02/12/2026

Rebecca Lou Dooley, 72, of Townsend, Tennessee, passed away on February 12, 2026. Born June 5, 1953, in Knoxville, Rebecca never met a relative she didn’t claim. As the family historian, she traced branches, organized reunions, and made sure no one was ever forgotten.

If you were related to her in any way, she made sure you knew. Her adventurous spirit took her to Alaska, where she worked as a teacher and met the love of her life, Dan Ray Sherk. There they built their family and raised two daughters. Teaching suited her; it was simply who she was. She cared, she encouraged, and she showed up. Rebecca loved making jewelry, cooking meals that gathered everyone around the table, and hiking mountain trails. She carried candy in her pocket on those hikes, handing a piece to her daughter Karma when the trail felt long. A small, steady reminder that she could keep going. Nothing meant more to her than being “Mom” and “Gram.” She was her grandson Logan’s most devoted fan, proudly attending his games and activities.

She is survived by her daughter Karma Sherk, her grandson Logan Sherk, her sister, Jean Grant-Dooley, her brother-in-law Johnny Grant-Dooley, her niece Mary Elizabeth Grant-Dooley, and her son-in-law, Dearl Gladden. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jasmine Sherk; her former husband, Dan Ray Sherk; and her parents, Nell and John Dooley.

A celebration of life will be held at 6850 Walnut Loop Road, Townsend, TN, on Friday, July 3, 2026. Details will be shared as they become available. Rebecca lived simply and loved deeply. She found happiness in mountain trails, handfuls of blueberries, and pressing flowers into handmade cards. A little quirky and endlessly thoughtful, she gave her daughters and grandson the very best of herself. Like the small blue Forget-me not flower she cherished, her memory will rest gently in the hearts of those who love her.