Dorothy Chapman Fuqua

Dorothy Chapman Fuqua, 93, died after a brief illness on January 23, 2015 at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, GA. Known to all as Dottie, she was surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, generous friend, passionate gardener, active community volunteer, and a visionary philanthropist.

Born February 2, 1921, in the small rural town of Davisboro, Georgia, Dottie graduated from Davisboro High School with honors and took business classes at Hurst Business College. While working as a secretary at Sears Roebuck in nearby Augusta, she met J. B. Fuqua, a young broadcaster and entrepreneur, whom she married in 1945. In the course of their 61-year marriage, Dottie was J.B.’s devoted partner and best friend, supporting his extraordinary rise to internationally recognized industrialist, Georgia political leader, and philanthropist. The Fuquas endowed the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, the Fuqua Heart Center at Piedmont Hospital, the Dorothy C. Fuqua Conservatory and Orchid House at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Fuqua Center for Late Life Depression at Emory, and generously gave to many other educational and community organizations.

From relatively humble beginnings, Dottie and J. B. would become friends with many of the most successful business and political leaders of the 20th century. A gracious hostess, she entertained everyone from her dear friend Lady Bird Johnson to the Dalai Lama in her Atlanta home and in the exquisite Japanese gardens she lovingly created over the years. Unchanged by privilege, she was as kind to the local cashier as to a world leader. Known for her poise, grace, and generous spirit, she was greatly loved by all because she loved all greatly. Dottie Fuqua lived a life grounded in a deep faith and guided by the principle that it is not what others can do for you but what you can do for others. She served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Skyland Trail, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center, Presbyterian College, Shepherd Center, Lovett School, and many others. Her leadership on behalf of mental illness, health care, and education has changed the lives of thousands. Dottie Fuqua’s life truly made the world a gentler, kinder, and more beautiful place.

She is survived by her brother, Hugh Chapman, Jr. of Davisboro, GA, her son, J. Rex Fuqua, daughter-in-law, Duvall Schultz Fuqua, of Atlanta, Georgia, 6 grandchildren--Jennifer Fuqua Fowler, Lauren Fuqua Maronnier, Ruth Duvall Fuqua, John Rex Fuqua, Jr., Frances Hattaway Fuqua, and Dorothy Isabel Fuqua, and 2 great grandchildren—Charles and Brooks Fowler. Her other son, Alan Brooks Fuqua, predeceased her in 1970. She is also survived by her friend and caretaker of over 40 years, Mary Nell Stanford.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Piedmont Hospital, Dr. Ellen Frauenthal and her team, and the caregivers who cared so deeply for her: Caroline Echols, Vivian Smith, Sandra Michael, and Frederick Hite.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 31 at 11 o'clock at Northwest Presbyterian Church, 4300 Northside Drive, Atlanta, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30309 and Skyland Trail, 1961 North Druid Hills Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30329.