Dorothy Mock Jones

Hartford, VT – Dorothy Mock Jones, 89, died December 21, 2010 at her home in Hartford. Dorothy was born September 26, 1921 on the family homestead in Hartford, VT, where she was raised. She was the daughter of Lester and Doris (Howard) Mock. She graduated from Hartford High School, class of 1939. She attended Posse School on a basketball scholarship and earned a B.S. degree in Physical Education at Temple University. Dot also coached and played semiprofessional basketball for the Bellows Falls Squaws; winning the New England tournament and qualifying for the national tournament.

Dot taught Physical education at Bellows Falls High School for 25 years and obtained a Master’s degree in guidance from Keene State College. Dot was director of guidance at Bellows Falls Elementary for 14 years.

An early equality advocate for women’s sports, Dot headed the move for the first girls state basketball tournament held in Springfield, VT. Dot was a very successful coach and also officiated for many years in basketball, softball and field hockey. The “Dot Jones” League for basketball was started in her honor with 8 participating schools. Ms. Jones was inducted into the Bellows Falls Hall of Fame.

After Dot retired from teaching, she served the town of Hartford for 17 years as lister and 9 years as a Hartford Town Library trustee. Dot is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Eastern Star, the Upper Valley Community Grange, Vermont Retried Teacher’s Association, Hartford Women’s Club and Hartford Historical Society. Dot served as president of the Hartford Historical Society for many years. She had a strong sense of place; she was a true Vermonter. She valued her family, friends, home, her town and state. 

She is predeceased by her brother Colonel Richard Mock and his wife Louise (Keane) Mock and a nephew Peter Mock. 

Dorothy is survived by her special friend Lorna Ricard of Hartford, nieces Anne Whitman of Williston, VT and Susan Mock and her husband Daniel Freeman of Middlebury, VT; grandnephews Christian Mock and his wife Nancy, Justin Mock and his wife Jennifer; Marc Whitman and his wife Meredith, Lars Whitman and his wife Susan,  and Lee Freeman and his wife Kate; seven great-great nieces and nephews as well as many cousins and close friends. She is also survived by her aunt Florence Howard of Montpelier, VT. 

Friends may call at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT Monday December 27, from 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be held Tuesday December 28 at 2 PM at the Greater Hartford United Church of Christ. Burial will be in the Hartford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Hartford Women’s Club, Box 331, Hartford, VT.