Anita Lovvorn Dark was born in Wedowee, AL, June 21, 1936. She and her sister and brother were reared there by her parents, William Alton Lovvorn and Lila McCarley Lovvorn. Her father was Supt of Education in Randolph County. They later moved to Wilsonville, AL, where her father worked at the "powder plant" during the War. She started school there and they later moved to Childersburg, then to Fayetteville as her mother and father resumed their teaching careers. They moved to Sylacauga in 1949 where she entered Sylacauga High School, graduating in 1953. She accepted Christ at age 15 and was baptized in First Baptist Church by Dr. William Weaver.
She attended Auburn University for one year and was married to Edwin Dark in 1954. Together they had 2 daughters, Emily and Lori. They resided in Sylacauga where Edwin was employed by the family dairy business and Anita was a homemaker for a while.
When she returned to the business world she was employed by the dairy for a time and then as secretary to the Superintendent of Sylacauga CIty Schools. In 1966 they moved to Tuscaloosa, AL where Ed was employed by Perry's Pride Dairy and Anita was employed by Tuscaloosa City Schools. Ten years in Tuscaloosa - this was where the girls attended school and they lived there for about ten years.
A move back home came in 1976 when the family moved back to Sylacauga. They were active in First Baptist Church. In 1977 Dr. Bill Dean baptized Edwin and Lori together. Edwin was employed by the dairy and Anita went to Talladega County Schools to begin a 26 year stay as secretary to the superintendent and later office manager. She retired in 2000 with 37 years of service. Edwin retired soon after and they began retirement in Sylacauga with some traveling, especially several church trips.
The girls had finished school and college, Emily at University of Alabama and Lori at Auburn University. Edwin had always been an Alabama fan and Anita an Auburn fan. A house divided that stood the test of time - 64 years of marriage.
The grandchildren came along and were so enjoyed! Visits and trips with them were highlights of retirement. Very quickly, but actually much later, they were through school and married and along came great grandchildren. A very full life and a joyful one. Edwin departed this life in 2018, April 24, one day shy of his 82nd birthday. He is greatly missed by his family and many friends.
She is survived by her daughters, Lori McGough (Kevin) and Emily Haney (Gregg); sister, Pat Bivin; brother, Nance Lovvorn (Cecile); grandchildren, Adam Haney (Jamie), Drew Shelnutt (Kaylie), Mark Haney (Megan), Lauren Fagan (Lucas) and Lindsay Savage; multiple great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Linda Major (Evan); and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Dark; parents, William and Lila Lovvorn; brother-in-law, Tommy Biven; and sister-in-law, Becky Caldwell.
A funeral service will occur Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Sylacauga First Baptist Church with Bro. Larry Morrison and Dr. Rick Patrick officiating. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Dorothy will be laid to rest in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Adam Haney, Drew Shelnutt, Mark Haney, Lucas Fagan, David Bivin and Patrick Cox.
