Dorsey Betts Faulkner

Born on June 16, 1941, in Athens, Georgia, Dorsey was the daughter of Joseph and Mildred Betts, longtime residents of the Athens. Dorsey graduated first in her class from Athens High School in 1959, where she was a member of the Beta Club Honor Society and contributed to the school annual, The Trojan. She also participated in the Athens Junior Cotillion Club for two years.

Dorsey began her college education at the University of Georgia, where she joined the Phi Beta Phi sorority and was elected to the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. After two years at UGA, she transferred to Emory University to study medical records.

On October 19, 1963, Dorsey married Gary Southerlin Faulkner in Athens. The couple later moved to Germantown, Tennessee, in the late 1960s, where they raised their two daughters: Katherine Ann Kennedy and Christine Parks Roche.

For many years, Dorsey devoted herself to being a homemaker before joining St. Francis Hospital in Memphis when it opened in 1974. She worked in the Medical Records Department for three decades and was consistently recognized as one of the hospital’s top employees for her exceptional work ethic and efficiency.

Dorsey found joy in gardening, walking, reading books, and spending time by the pool. She cherished family vacations to the beach and was an enthusiastic supporter of The University of Georgia.

She is survived by her daughters: Katherine Ann Kennedy and Christine Parks Roche; and three grandchildren: Lee Kennedy, Katelyn Kennedy, and Sydney Roche.

A graveside service will be held Friday, January 31, at 1:00 p.m., at Oconee Hill Cemetery, with Rev. Dave Smith officiating.

Dorsey’s memory will live on through her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her legacy bring comfort and inspiration to those she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations to support the University of Georgia’s Care Center that specializes in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research, Care and Education:

https://gail.uga.edu/commit?cat=school&subcat=public%20health&des=90544000

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.