Dorothy Durden

Mrs. Dorothy Dreyer Durden, 89, of Dunwoody, Georgia, died Saturday, April 24, 2010. She was born on August 12, 1920, in Penfield, Georgia, and moved with her family to Greensboro, Georgia. She was an honor graduate of Greensboro High School in 1937. She earned an Associate degree at Draughan’s Business College in Atlanta, Georgia, and worked for a time at Royal Typewriter.

In 1946, she married her beloved husband, John. During their forty-one years together, Mrs. Durden was a member of various garden clubs, served on numerous committees at their church, was a regular poll worker in her local voting district, and served as hostess for many dinners in their home for his colleagues at Atlanta Gas Light Company as well as countless family gatherings. She was an extraordinary homemaker and outstanding cook with a gift for decorating a warm and inviting home.

Mrs. Durden’s first love was her family but her family reached beyond blood ties. Many people of all ages in her community, her church and her circle of friends referred to her as “Mama Dot.” She regularly crafted personalized gifts for all her family and friends. She sought many ways to share her gifts through volunteering and was always ready to help anyone in need. Until shortly before her death, she shared her wisdom, compassion and love with countless friends and neighbors.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lynne and Harry Hagan of Smyrna, Georgia; her grandchildren, John and Bridget Hagan, of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Nan and John Morningstar, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Mrs. Durden will be conducted at 2:00 o’clock, Wednesday, April 28, 2010. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, April, 27, 2010. Internment will follow in Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Arrangements by H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, Sandy Springs.