Ferguson, Dr. Dorcas Beatrix (Athens)

Dorcas Beatrix Ferguson, Ph.D., 100, went to rest with the Lord on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. She was born in Englewood in the Methodist parsonage on Jan. 31, 1923. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, J. William Ferguson and Emma Hall Cooper Ferguson, and by her four brothers, James W. Ferguson, Ben Cooper, Porter Cooper and A. B. Cooper.

Dr. Ferguson was a family therapist, author and educator, serving at local and university levels.

Dorcas loved rural life, both the people and the natural quietness. She called it a perfect way to remain authentic. Her purpose in the life was confirmed when in 1946, Farm Services Administration appointed her to work rurally with farm families in middle Tennessee. Lincoln County was headquarters for her with Moore and Franklin counties included. A home supervisor, she acknowledged she was learning more from the families than she was teaching them.

Dorcas, was a firm believer that everyone has a God-given purpose. She gladly served all races, creeds and colors in small towns and rural areas. From 1946 until June 1994, she worked for small town people.

Dr. Ferguson is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church in Athens, as well as a former professor of behavioral sciences at Southern Missionary College, now Southern Adventist University in Collegedale.

A graveside ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, with recorded vocal music by Sister Georgia Davis, Coldwater, Ms., Seventh Day Adventist Church. Pastor David Wendt, SDA Church, is in charge of biblical passages and prayers spoken.

Dorcas Ferguson will be interred next to her mother in the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Athens.

Dorcas asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Tennessee Wesleyan University, 204 E. College St., Athens, Tn. 37303.

Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is honored to serve the family of Dr. Dorcas B. Ferguson.