Dorothy Per-Lee

Dorothy Anne Kerner Per-Lee ("Dot"), age 93, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away at her home on December 25, 2024, with her family by her side. She was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend.

Born April 18, 1931, in Kernersville, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Rephelius Byron Kerner and Essie Frances Hankins Kerner. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Sr.; her step brother, Rephelius Byron (RB); her step sister, Helen; her sister, Frances Kerner McCoy; and her brother, William Kerner. Dot was raised in Kernersville, North Carolina. Following high school graduation, she attended Women's College of the University of North Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology (1953) and Columbia University where she earned her Master's degree in social work (1957).

Dot met John, the love of her life, in 1955 in Charlottesville, Virginia, while she was working as a social worker. They married two years later in 1957. Dot continued in her profession in social work until the needs of their growing family required her full-time attention. Together, Dot and John built a loving family over nearly 65 years, including their four children (Phil, Anne, John Jr., Cynthia), six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

She loved her family deeply and faithfully, fervently supporting their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in their endeavors. She watched over her children skillfully and purposefully, making home a refuge for the whole family. A wise shepherdess, she advocated for, protected and comforted them, always providing perspective and encouragement. In their marriage, Dot and John nurtured a strong and committed partnership as they supported one another and contributed to their community through work, volunteerism and family life.

Throughout her life, Dot demonstrated wisdom and gentle compassion, modeling what it looks like to truly love people well. She balanced graciousness and generosity with a love of laughter and a keen sense of humor and instilled in her loved ones an appreciation for the beauty around them - in both big things and small.

She is remembered for her vibrant spirit, her strength and grit, as well as her impressive and characteristic resourcefulness. She was clever, thoughtful, curious, and gave freely of her time, energy, and love.

Those who knew Dot experienced her Christian faith to be personal and committed - a source of encouragement and purpose throughout her life. She was a devoted and active member of her faith communities: Kernersville Moravian Church where she grew up and Decatur Presbyterian Church as an adult. In the latter she particularly enjoyed serving as a Stephen Minister and taking flowers to homebound members of their community.

Dot enjoyed reading and embraced a love of language and vocabulary, something she learned from her mother. During retirement, she and John took pleasure in traveling worldwide with friends and family to see and experience other nations and cultures. Dot also delighted in art, music, nature, and a good dessert. In parting, she would always request you "give her love to all you see who know her." As her loved ones celebrate her life, they will honor her memory by continuing to do just that.

Dot is survived by her four children and their families, Phil (Allison) Per-Lee, Claire and Laura; Anne (Clay) Porr, Sarah (Brandon, Anna, James, and Caleb) Reynolds and Christine Porr; John (Joni) Per-Lee, Katelyn (Ryan, Diana) Christman and Abigail (Kyle, Jack, and Brady) Schmidt; Cynthia Per-Lee (Angie Buysse) and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Dot will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Decatur Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to either: Decatur Presbyterian Church 205 Sycamore Street Decatur, GA 30030 dpchurch.org (404) 378-1777 or Hearing Health Foundation 575 Eighth Avenue #1201 New York, NY 10018 hearinghealthfoundation.org (212) 257-6901

A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 2773 N. Decatur Rd Decatur, GA 30033, is in charge of arrangements.