Dorothy Hayes Firestone

Dorothy Hayes Firestone, 87, of Cleveland, TN, moved to heaven on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. Dorothy was born on July 2, 1925 and was raised in Polk County. She was the only daughter of Charles and Arizona Hayes. She was a bright and caring child. Dorothy caught the eye of her future husband Alvin on the bus on the way to school. He knew he had to win the heart of the sassy girl with a smile that could light up the darkest day. He succeeded and they got married on June 1, 1946. She became a telephone operator with South Central Bell and worked there for thirty years until her retirement in 1981. They were faithful members of First Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN for many years. Dorothy and Alvin loved to travel and did so every chance they could. She loved to meet new people and did everything she could to help someone in need. She continued to be one of the sweetest and most caring people you would ever meet. Dorothy always cared more for others than for herself. Even as her health deteriorated, her concern for others never waned and she could still light up the room just by smiling. Dorothy loved God and is now happy and at peace with her Savior. Dorothy was preceded to heaven by her parents, her older brother, Glen Hayes and her nephew, Jerry Firestone. Dorothy is survived by her husband, Alvin Firestone; brother, Norvel Hayes; a niece, Zona Hayes-Morrow; three great nieces, Lee Cornelison, Janet Firestone-Brunk, Kimberly Firestone; nephew, Don Firestone; three great nephews, Tim Robby and David Firestone; as well as numerous friends. The funeral will be held at noon Saturday, April 20, 2013 in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Reverend Jim Gibson officiating. Interment will be held at the Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Benton, TN. Tim Firestone, Robby Firestone, David Firestone, Don Firestone, Terry Lee Morrow and Glenn Ramsey will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service. The family suggests memorials be made to the First Baptist Church Manna Ministry P.O. Box 2368, Cleveland, TN 37320. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Firestone family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com