Dorothy Duggan

DUGGAN, DOROTHY WILSON NEAL (DOT) - age 86 of Knoxville, passed away at Shannondale Assisted Living Home on Sunday, January 2, 2011. Mrs. Duggan was born on August 20, 1924 to Samuel and Elma Neal in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She grew up in a rural farming community, spending a good deal of time in the company of her father, a Presbyterian minister. She adored her father, and strove to emulate his principals during her life. Upon graduation from Slippery Rock University she moved to Oak Ridge, where she served as a physical education teacher. She felt the call to ministry and attended Union Theological seminary in New York City where she was taught by some of the best theologians the world has known. She returned to Knoxville to take a position as Assistant Director of Christian Education at Second Presbyterian Church, serving under Dr. Clifford E. Barbour, who had been a seminary classmate and friend of her father's. A staunch Presbyterian, she esteemed highly the doctrines and traditions of the church. She married Charles Perkins Duggan, a lifetime church member whose parents and grandparents had been active members. After her marriage and the birth of her children she resigned as DCE, but continued to serve the church as a deacon, an elder, and a Sunday School teacher. In addition to raising her family she worked as a Homebound Instructor and a social director at Montgomery Village, served on the Board of Directors of Boggs Academy, was active in the League of Women Voters and Planned Parenthood, served as a volunteer for Knox County Schools, and stayed connected with the work of the Presbytery of East Tennessee until her health began to fail. She traveled in Europe, India, Central America, and the United States, and especially enjoyed getting to know the people and needs of different cultures. She read widely and strongly valued education, instilling these values in her children. For recreation she enjoyed puttering around in her yard, spending time with church friends and tennis buddies, and visiting with her children and grandchildren. Mrs. Duggan strongly valued economy in all areas of life and strove to live frugally, as a steward of the earth's resources. Her parents, and her husband, Charles Duggan, preceded her in death. She is survived by her children, Geoff Duggan and wife Kathy of Knoxville, Kelly Duggan of Nashville, Charles Duggan and wife Sarah of Birmingham, and Roger Duggan of Denver, Colorado; granddaughters, Samantha Duggan of Knoxville, and Julia Jane and Margaret Duggan of Birmingham; sisters, Esther Ferguson and Ruth Marshall; many beloved nieces and nephews, in-laws, Don and Pat Owens, and many other dear family members and friends. The family would like to thank the residents, staff, and sitters at Shannondale Retirement and Assisted Living Homes for their friendship and care. A memorial service will be held 5:00 PM Wednesday at Second Presbyterian Church with Reverend Brian Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 2829 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements provided by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

Tributes

Dorothy Duggan

August 20, 1924 - January 2, 2011