Dorothy Elizabeth DesPortes, 57, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away June 19th2018. Her family would like to welcome loved ones and friends to celebrate her life with funeral services on Friday, June 22ndat 11:00 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1130 1stAvenue Columbus, Georgia. Following the service, the family will hold a reception in Elizabeth’s honor. She will be laid to rest Friday, June 22ndat 1:30 pm at Linwood Cemetery, 721 Linwood Boulevard Columbus, Georgia.
Dorothy Elizabeth DesPortes, best known as “Beth,” was born August 3, 1960, in Columbus, Georgia, the only daughter of Dorothy Taylor and William Lowther DesPortes. Her curiosity motivated her throughout life, leading her to acquire a degree in Nursing from the University of Florida, as well as a Master’s of Theology and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. There she met Dennis Dreelin, her husband of 25 years before they separated, with whom returned to Columbus and had three children. She established herself as a local psychologist, but never content, she later plunged into forestry and wetlands mitigation banking where she worked tirelessly to create a practice that was both sustainable and economically viable, even going so far as to get a second Master’s, this time in Environmental Science from CSU.
Personally she loved competitive horseback riding, swimming, bird watching, hunting, and playing with her beloved English cocker spaniels, but she enjoyed any activity where she was outdoors in the sun. Despite her many interests, her greatest love will forever be her three children for whom she dedicated her life to ensuring they had the opportunity to pursue their passions and curiosities; fittingly, each of them has taken after her in their own way. She will be remembered for her keen intellect, strong faith, indefatigable work ethic, boundless love, and her commitment to excellence in all pursuits.
She leaves behind: her loving children, Andrew, Jonathan, and Dorothy Dreelin; her parents, William and Dorothy DesPortes; her brother, Richard DesPortes and wife Launa; Nephew and Nieces Bill and Lucy DesPortes and Emily Badcock; plus many other family and friends who will forever cherish her adventurous spirit.
Offers of condolences and warm memories celebrating Elizabeth’s life may be shared with her family at www.SHColumbus.com.
