Dorothy Lemon Stanford

Dorothy Lemon Stanford, age 83 of Gainesville, Ga., passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 11th.  She is survived by her husband, Dr. John Stanford (Gainesville, Ga.), son and daughter-in-law, Trey and Tracy Stanford (Gainesville, Ga.), granddaughter McKenzie Stanford (Dunwoody, Ga.), grandson Jake Stanford (Brookhaven, Ga.), sister-in-law Suzanne Pike (Warm Springs, Ga.), nephews David Pike (Warm Springs, Ga.) and John Grayson (Savannah, Ga.) and niece Leah Grayson (Talking Rock, Ga.).

Born in 1938, Dorothy grew up in Atlanta.  As an only child, she lost her parents at an early age.  She was predeceased by father Hugh Lemon at age 14 and her mother, Louise Lemon at age 18.  Growing up she had perfect attendance at Sunday School for 12 straight years.  She was a charter member of Clairmont Presbyterian Church which was established in the living room of her home.  She graduated from Druid Hills High School in 1956 and then attended Agnes Scott College.  She began working as a legal secretary for the State of Georgia’s Attorney General’s office.  In 1957, she married John Stanford and in 1964 had their only child, Trey.  Dorothy spent much of her life focused on assisting John with his dental practice and raising Trey.  She was a fiercely loyal wife and mother.  She and John were happily married for 64 years.

She was an amazing mother-in-law to Tracy and a loving grandmother to Kenzie and Jake.  They will forever miss the bacon and waffle breakfasts for which she was famous in their eyes. She openly welcomed all the kids’ friends to their lake house where they lived full time after retirement.  There was always a meal on the table for anyone who arrived.  An avid cook, she packed many pounds on the family and friends who were always surrounding their table.  Trey always said that he had the best lunches in grade school and he never needed to trade!  She and John were active volunteers for the Salvation Army.  They coordinated bellringers at different sites in Decatur and were famous for the big Christmas party they held for all of the volunteers with food prepared by Dorothy.  She poured over recipes as an act of love for family and friends.  She was also an active member of New Comers of Gainesville and loved welcoming new people to the community.

Dorothy was the epitome of a southern lady.  She never forgot a name, always asked about others and rarely spoke of herself, sent handwritten notes for births and deaths and just because.  She embodied class, elegance, compassion and kindness.  She will be deeply missed by family and friends, but we know she resides with our Lord today and for an eternity and will welcome us all to the pearly gates with a hug and a smile, an infectious laugh, some grape juice and an appetizer.  Rest easy, sweet Dorothy, you have earned your place with our Father.

Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Lanier Village Estates Chapel. Inurnment will be held in Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mt. Vernon Highway NW Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com