Dorothy Williams1

Female, #53175, (22 Aug 1922 - 15 May 2008)

Birth*22 Aug 1922 She was born on 22 Aug 1922 at Gwinnett Co., Georgia. She was the daughter of Joseph Rufus Williams and Serena Ann Garner.1 
Married Namecirca 1943  As of circa 1943, her married name was Culpepper.1 
Marriage*18 Sep 1943 She married Lawson Comer Culpepper at DeKalb Co., Georgia, on 18 Sep 1943.2 
Death*15 May 2008 She died at Decatur, DeKalb Co., Georgia, on 15 May 2008.2 
Obituary*17 May 2008 Dorothy Williams Culpepper was born on August 22, 1922 to Joseph Rufus Williams and Serena Ann Garner Williams in Gwinnett County, Georgia. The family moved to Flat Shoals Road in East Atlanta to join her father's brothers in starting Williams Brothers Lumber Company. Dorothy attended Moreland Avenue Baptist Church and graduated from Girls High in 1939, and she continued to gather annually with her classmates until her death. Dorothy graduated from Auburn University during World War II, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Foods and Nutrition. She became a member of the Golden Eagle Club, which denotes 50 years of Alumni membership.
     Dorothy married Lawson Comer Culpepper on September 18, 1943 at her parent's home. They built their home in Sagamore Hills in 1955 and became charter members of Clairmont Hills Baptist Church, Decatur, actively serving in many capacities over 50 years. She was a member of the Joyful Sunday School class. They had four daughters and Dorothy lovingly cared for her disabled eldest daughter for 18 years in their home. Dorothy was an avid reader, visiting the Decatur Public Library weekly throughout her adult life. She loved to play bridge, meeting with her many friends including Fine Arts, the Atlanta Club, and continued to meet with the Sagamore Hills Group monthly until her death. In the mid 1960's, she began a career with the DeKalb County School System Food Services, becoming an Assistant Director. She received her Master's degree from the University of Georgia at the age of 56. In retirement, Dorothy became a world traveler, visiting numerous countries over a period of several decades. She lovingly cared for her husband until his death in 2005, and was herself lovingly cared for in her home until her death surrounded by family, friends and hospice. She met her heavenly family on May 15, 2008.
     She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Buddy and her eldest daughter, Peggy Joyce.      Surviving are her children, Mary Culpepper Harris, Susan Culpepper Phillips and husband John, Grace Louise Culpepper and husband Bill Johnson; grandchildren, Tom Lawson Harris and wife, Laurie, Christopher Scott Harris, John Williams Harris and wife Niki, David Michael Lynd and fiancee Christy Johnson, Daniel Robert Lynd and wife Kristen; and eight grandchildren.
     Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 18th at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of A. S. Turner & Sons with Rev. Larry Burgess officiating. Interment will be at Decatur Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Eagle Ranch, or Clairmont Hills Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Saturday at A. S. Turner & Sons.2 
Burial*18 May 2008 Her body was interred on 18 May 2008 at Decatur City Cemetery, Decatur, DeKalb Co., Georgia.2 

Family

Lawson Comer Culpepper (circa Feb 1918 - 21 Oct 2005)
Children

Last Edited 17 May 2008

Citations

  1. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta, GA.
    http://www.ajc.com
    Obituary for Lawson C. "Buddy" Culpepper, published 22 Oct 2005.
  2. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta, GA.
    http://www.ajc.com
    Obituary of Dorothy Williams Culpepper (#53175), published 17 May 2008.