Dorothy Townsley French passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the age of 100. A lifelong Memphian, Dorothy was born to Memphis fireman Charles J. Townsley and his wife Essie Mae (Balch) Townsley. She attended Memphis city schools, graduating from Tech High School. While working as a legal secretary, Dorothy met and married Ed M. French who was on active service with the United States Navy. Upon Ed’s return after the end of World War II, they started their family and had a total of four children - Robert, Carol, Mark, and Patricia. At the time of Ed’s death in 1985, they were long-time members of First Evangelical Church. Dorothy remained a member of First Evan where she was active in the children’s ministry as well as a faithful volunteer assisting with church suppers and other church needs. She attended Community Bible Study for many years. Dorothy was a faithful prayer warrior, praying for the needs of family, friends, missionaries, and her church.
Dorothy is survived by three of her children - Carol Sherman (Gary), Mark French (Melva) and Patricia French. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at visitation on Thursday, July 11, from 1:00 PM with the funeral service following at 2:00 PM, at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN. A private graveside service will then be held at Memphis Memory Gardens, 6444 Raleigh LaGrange Road, Memphis, TN.
The family requests that any memorial donations be given to First Evangelical Church, 735 Ridge Lake Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38120.
