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Celebrating the life of
Dorothy Williams Kingery
November 14, 1934 - February 04, 2023
Dorothy Williams Kingery, age 88, passed away surrounded by her family and their love until the very end on February 4, 2023. She was born November 14, 1934, in Gordon, Georgia to Arthur Costlar Williams and Blanche Brooks Williams. She graduated from Gordon High School, attended Georgia State College for Women and received a B.S. in Business Finance from the University of Alabama; where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She also earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Georgia.
Dorothy was an educator for most of her life, first at the high school level, then as a Faculty and Fellow at the University of Georgia (Athens) and Armstrong State University (Savannah). She was also the Director of the Survey Research Center (UGA). After moving to Savannah, Dorothy opened the Mercer-Williams House Museum and Carriage Shop and wrote and published the book, More Than Mercer House: Savannah’s Jim Williams and His Southern Houses.
Dorothy was first and foremost a dedicated mother and proud grandmother, and was happiest with her family and on the many trips with her daughters. Additionally, she was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where she enjoyed Father Ralston’s erudite sermons and for many years served as an afternoon docent at the Green-Meldrim House. She donated her time to the Youth Futures Authority, served several terms on the Chatham County Grand Jury, and was a longtime member of the Chatham Club and Historic Savannah Foundation. She served on several Boards in the community including the Armstrong State University Foundation, the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home Foundation, the RiverRun Theater Company, and the Telfair Museum of Art; where she chaired the Collections Committee. Dorothy was co-chair of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, a group co-founded by her late brother, Jim Williams, who opened his home on numerous occasions to entertain visiting dignitaries. A practice continued by Dorothy, including hosting a tea for former Prime Minister of Great Britain, Margaret Thatcher, and former Secretary of State, Colin Powell, when Savannah served as a venue for the1996 Olympic Games.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents and brother, James Arthur Williams. She is survived by her daughters, Dorothy Susan Kingery and Amanda Kingery Heath (Tom), and her grandchildren, Caroline and Thomas Heath.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends after the service at The Chatham Club, 14th floor of the Desoto Hotel, 15 E. Liberty Street.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Savannah or the One Love Animal Rescue, Savannah.
A candle has been lit!
My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Kingery's family.
- Angela Sergi, savannah, - Select -
Susan and Amanda My heart broke when you notified me this weekend that DO had passed. Your mother was a very strong woman and was loved and will be greatly missed by many. You are in my thoughts and prayers now and forever.
- Bruce Muncher, Hinesville, Georgia
Joe and I had the honor and pleasure to have known and spent time with Dorothy. We are truly saddened and heartbroken to hear of her passing. She was one of our most beloved Savannahians, always smiling, helpful, warm and gracious. We were delighted to encourage her to pursue and to write her beautiful book and her impact on our children’s lives after they met her is a reminder of how her presence could inspire others to great achievements. Sending all our love to Susan and Amanda and the entire family.
- Joe & Georgia Byrd, Savannah, GA
I was so saddened to hear the passing of a friend I knew for only six months. Dot was such a special person and also an amazing one. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the members of her beloved family. Rest in peace Dot. In living memory, your friend Marianne Dupree
- Marianne Dupree, Savannah, GA
Susan and Amanda, I am so sorry to learn of your mother's death. Both of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. If you come this way we would love to see you. Much love, Emiy
- Emily B Owens, Milledgeville, GA
She was an amazing professor and will be missed.
- Stephanie Herb, Tybee Island, Georgia
My deepest condolences and prayers to the Kingery family.
- Jason Weyl, Port Wentworth, Georgia
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 11:00 a.m. on Sat, May 13, 2023
- St. John's Church
-
325 Bull Street (map)
Savannah Georgia 31401