Mary Ann Turner Dorsey

Mary Ann Turner Dorsey, age 94, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2024 at Arbor Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center in Opelika, Alabama after a brief illness.  She was born in Opelika on February 7, 1930 to James Webb Turner and Mattie Lou Thames Turner, and was the youngest of three children.  She was a 1948 graduate of Clift High School (now Opelika High School) and a 1952 graduate of Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) with a B. A. degree in Education.  While at API, she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta social sorority.  She taught English at Jordan High School in Columbus, Georgia from 1952 to 1954 before marrying Walter Cullars Dorsey on October 30, 1954.  Upon her marriage, she moved back to Opelika to become a homemaker, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother for her family.

Mrs. Dorsey served for many years as a Sunday School teacher to three-year-olds at First Baptist Church Opelika, and was a member of the Ledbetter Sunday School class at First Baptist.  She was a charter member of the Opelika Arts Association, a charter member of the Phalo Study Club, and was a Cub Scout, Girl Scout, and Brownie troop leader.  She enjoyed playing the piano and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as their ‘Mum’.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Walter Cullars Dorsey of Opelika; two children:  Walter Cullars Dorsey, Jr. (Amy) of Opelika and Lou Thames Dorsey Hamlet (Dennis) of Opelika; four grandchildren:  Mary Turner Barron Pigg (Tyler) of College Station, Texas; Dorsey Kate Barron of Opelika; John Thornton Barron (Alysa) of Opelika; and Cole Richardson Dorsey (Amberli) of Dothan, Alabama; three great-grandchildren: John Ellis Pigg, Caroline Louise Pigg, and Charlotte Jane Barron; and one brother: Edward Thames Turner of Rainbow City, Alabama.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother James Webb Turner, Jr.

A funeral service for Mrs. Dorsey will be held Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.  Reverend Cade Farris will officiate.  A family visitation will precede the funeral service beginning at 10:00 AM at Jeffcoat-Trant.

In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests a memorial gift to the BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose through the Auburn University Foundation.