Dorothy Douglas Adams

Dorothy Douglas Adams of Decatur, Georgia, passed away June 11, 2020. The only child of Freeman Seavey Douglas and Anne Laura Douglas formerly of Augusta, Georgia, Dorothy was born November 2, 1922 in East Liverpool, Ohio. When she was a young child, her father’s job with Babcock & Wilcox transferred the family to Augusta. Dorothy graduated from Tubman High School and Augusta Junior College. In 1940, she enrolled in the University of Georgia where she was a member of Tri Delta sorority. In 1941, she met Charles David Adams, a student at the Medical College of Georgia. The couple fell in love and married February 5, 1943. While Charles completed his medical training, the newlyweds made their home in Augusta and Dorothy continued the 3-generation family history of working at the Babcock & Wilcox Augusta plant. Following Charles’ graduation and commission as a Navy physician, the couple moved to Memphis, TN and in 1944 they welcomed their first child, Louise Anne Adams. Four years later, while stationed in Long Island, NY, their second child, Angela Douglas Adams was born. Dorothy met head-on the challenges of being a Navy wife and parent during war time. Various domestic duty assignments as well as a period spent in Portsmouth, England offered challenges that incrementally developed her familiar indomitable spirit. Navy life eventually gave way to civilian life, and in 1955 the family moved to Atlanta and Charles established a private practice in Dermatology. Shortly thereafter, in February 1956, Dorothy gave birth to their son, Charles David Adams, Jr.

Dorothy’s faith was foundational in her life. She was an active and devoted member of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church for more than 65 years. She was a member of the church choir for many years, as well as an active member of the Altar Guild. In 1972, she established training for church youth to serve as acolytes and to assist in church services. In 1999, the church honored Dorothy for 27 years of dedication and leadership in this ministry. In the mid-1980s, she began hosting a backyard cookout for a group of church members known as ‘The Super Singles’. This became an annual event, and after she was no longer able to host from her backyard, the tradition continued at the church and is now known as the “Dot Adams Annual Hamburger Cookout”.

Dorothy was also civic-minded; she served as a poll worker over many years and for many elections.

Dorothy loved music and was a member of the Atlanta Symphony Auxiliary Guild for many years. She enjoyed playing the piano, whether to entertain a group of friends for a sing along or just for her own enjoyment. She was a founding member of the Talisman Garden Club and held various leadership positions of this group. She was also an avid bridge player and a member of two bridge clubs. She loved to entertain and she was an excellent cook. Some in her family wondered if she was a member of so many organizations just to have a chance to invite members into her home for a luncheon.

Dorothy strove to make the most of every situation and relationship for she also knew the heartache of tragedy with the sudden and premature death of her husband in 1979 as well as the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Louise in 2002. These events served to solidify her understanding that time and relationships are gifts to be treasured and nurtured. Her quick wit and sense of humor coupled with her zest for life made her beloved not only by her family, but also friends across many generations. She loved to make people laugh and raucous laughter often filled any gathering where she was present.

In addition to her daughter Angela and her son David, Dorothy is survived by the following:

Grandsons Bud C. Moss (Sally) of Eden Prairie, MN, Kevin A. Moss (Alycen) of Atlanta, GA, Erik J. Butzon of Summerville, SC

Granddaughters Colby D. Butzon Summerville, SC, Natalie Adams Kerekes (Tom) of Atlanta, GA, Emily Elizabeth Adams of High Point, NC

And 7 great-grandchildren

Visitation will be Monday, June 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Chapel of A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home in Decatur. Due to current health risk concerns, guests are asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing guidelines. A private graveside burial is planned.

In lieu of flowers, should individuals wish to make a memorial donation, the family suggests Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church (Atlanta), A. G. Rhodes-Wesley Woods Staff Appreciation Fund, or a charity of your choice.