Dorothy Bergquist Wells

Dorothy was born in Montgomery, Alabama and spent her childhood on Maxwell Air Force Base, where her father, Stanley, was a prison warden. Dorothy attended Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery. She attended Newcomb College in New Orleans on a full scholarship, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and did her junior year abroad at University College of London. After Newcomb, Dorothy was awarded a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship to Tulane University where she received her Doctorate degree in English. Dorothy was a full professor of English at Southern University of New Orleans from 1966 until her retirement in 1994, where she also served as Department chair from 1986 to 1994.

She remained active in retirement, teaching history of religion for many years through the Education for Ministry program. She was also deeply involved in her spiritual life, first at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and then at Trinity Church, both in New Orleans.

Dorothy is survived by John, her husband of 55 years, and her son John and daughter Meredith, as well as four grandchildren.

The family is planning a private memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Church at https://trinitynola.com/giving/.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.