Dorothy Gertrude Parison

Mrs. Dorothy Gertrude Parison, age 92, of Dahlonega, passed away Monday, October 23, 2023. She was born on November 12, 1930, in Suches, Georgia (Union County), to the late George W. Self and the late Rev. Lillie May Tow Self.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Albert J. Parison of Dahlonega, Georgia; brothers and sister-in-laws Alvin (Faye) Self, Ted Self, Charlie (Susie) Self, and Jerry Self, all of Dahlonega; sister and brother-in-law Georgia Mae (Clyde) Spradley of Dahlonega; as well as step son and step daughter-in-law Matt and Marie Parison. 

She is survived by her son, Terry Pruitt of Dahlonega, grandchildren Nicholas Pruitt of Royal Oak, Michigan, and Christopher Pruitt (Ashley Nati) of Tampa, Florida; sister Lena Ash of Dahlonega; step-children John (Rita) Parison, Mark (Bobby) Parison, Al (Omar) Parison, and Ernie (Janel) Parison; step-grandchildren Ashley Parison, Austin Parison, Chris Parison, Tom Parison, Giuseppe Parison, and Maribelle Parison; special friend Connie Carver, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives, also survive.

She was the second born of seven children and the firstborn among the girls, of which she was not only the older sister but became a caregiver and protector of her younger siblings. Her compassionate spirit continued throughout her life, caring for others, sacrificing, and giving of herself to ensure the well-being of those who needed her.

Her compassion extended beyond her siblings to other family members, and she even had a way of making those who weren’t family feel as though she was their family. She took others into her home, such as Jim Eldridge, Wayne Mitz, and Gretchen Lamb. She intended to ensure no one fell through the cracks of life’s circumstances if she could make a difference.

She grew up through the times of the Great Depression and being the first-born daughter, she worked harder than most men today, cutting trees with a cross-cut saw, working in the fields, and helping her mother put away food for the Winter ahead.

Her first teacher was Miss Pauline Hamby, and after graduating from Grammar School at Mt. Airy School (in Suches, Georgia) in 1944, she went to Woody Gap High School, graduating in 1948 and was the Salutatorian of her graduating class, of which she did a speech titled, “To Preserve This Freedom,” at the graduation ceremony.

Although known for her humble demeanor, her strength was never in question. She was a leader, a patriarch within the Self Family, and respected by anyone who was blessed to know her.

After graduating from High School she took shorthand, typing, and accounting to prepare herself for a better life and her ambitions. She worked for General Motors in Michigan for 17 years, becoming the Executive Secretary for Jerry Knechtel at the GM Photographic Department, (Mr. Knechtel went on to become V.P. of General Motors).

She was an avid bowler and on the General Motors Girls Club Bowling Team, and after breaking her right wrist, learned to bowl left-handed. She didn’t believe in excuses. She wasn’t a quitter and believed in winning.

Investing in real estate in the beautiful North Georgia mountains became one of her interests and passions. She loved nature in every way.

She had a green thumb. She loved gardening, from vegetables, trees, shrubs, flowers, etc., and to put thought behind the planning to ensure she was surrounded by blooms, and colors in various times of the seasons.

She enjoyed reading books when she had time to relax. She enjoyed traveling, photography, collecting specialty plates, fashion, shopping, and quality dining. It was common to hear people describe her as beautiful, classy, stylish, and intelligent, and she lived up to all those characteristics and more.

She loved anything that represented living and life, and much of her actions and efforts, her passions and sacrifices, will live on for generations. She brought the sunshine into every room she entered. She was kind, yet strong, determined, and empowered. She brought gravity and peace to others who otherwise were in chaos. She was accepting of others, loving, not judgmental, and made everyone feel they were a priority and realize their potential and importance. Ultimately she loved her family and her Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was a member of the Church of God, attending the Harmony Church of God in Suches, Georgia, (of which her mother, Rev. Self, pastored) when she was younger, and later in life attended the Dahlonega Church of God.

Heaven was prepared for souls such as her, and now she is enjoying the reunion of family and friends who have been awaiting her embrace.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 in the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the cemetery on Dahlonega Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 30, 2023, from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM and on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution in memory of Mrs. Parison may be made to the Lumpkin County Baseball HERO team c/o Susan Burrell 167 Cherokee Trace, Dahlonega, GA 30533.

To share a memory or a condolence with the family, visit Mrs. Parison's online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 Highway 19 North, Dahlonega, GA 30533