Dorothy Walton Duggar Franklin

Dorothy (Dot) Franklin passed away April 20th. A memorial service will be held at 2p.m., at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 7100 Watermelon Road, Northport, Alabama on June 3rd to honor her life, laugh, cry, and share stories of this wonderful soul who graced our lives.

Dorothy Walton Duggar was born on November 19th, 1937 in Montgomery, Alabama, at Hubbard Hospital. She graduated from Pintlala (Elementary through Junior High), then attended Sidney Lanier High School, graduating in 1956. Huntington College was the next academic move, but spent only one year there. Dorothy (Dot) did not finish her college education until later in life, "a late bloomer," as she always said. Although Huntington began her academic career, a long hiatus filled with life experiences filled the years before she received her Bachelor's from the Department of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama; a Master's Degree from Women's Studies at U.A.; and finally a Doctorate from The University of Alabama's Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program.

Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Professor John F. Duggar, Sr. who was Dean of the School of Agriculture at Auburn University (API) for 30 years, Dr. Franklin taught English and Women's Studies at the University, continuing even into her 85th year, stating that this was what she was meant to do in life, the profession she loved. She adored her students, and considered it a privilege to be their professor.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Frederic Duggar, Jr.; mother, Edna Rivers Haynes Duggar; brothers, John Frederick Duggar, III, and Llewellyn Haynes Duggar; and daughter, Virginia Franklin Rivers (Mike).

She is survived by her children; son, Dr. Robert D. Franklin, Jr. (Angela), daughters, Saxon McKeen (Kyle), and Fleming Tartt; Allen Tartt (son-in-law). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Blakley Tartt, William Tartt, Maxwell Rivers, Jack McKeen, Clipp McKeen, Marshall Walker, and Robert Franklin; and one great-granddaughter, Rivers Cannon. Blessed with wonderful aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins, students and friends, her life was filled with church and community involvement and activities with family and friends. Writing memories of the 'good ole' days, she said she envisioned her family carrying on this tradition, creating memories to be told and retold, time and time again, for generations to come.

Dorothy died peacefully at Hospice of West Alabama, surrounded by prayers from all who loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent in her name to St. Andrews Cemetery Fund, C/O Trinity Church, PO Box 560, Demopolis, AL 36732 or Hospice of West Alabama.

*A special thank you and love to Dr. Anthony Morlandt, along with his team and staff of the Maxillofacial Surgery of Kirkland Clinic (UAB), gifting Dot's family, friends, and community with many extra years of Dot Franklin; also a tender thank you to all staff of Hospice of West Alabama, for loving care in her final days.