In Memory of

Dorcas

Beatrix

Ferguson

Obituary for Dorcas Beatrix Ferguson

Dorcas Beatrix Ferguson Ph.D. went to rest with the Lord on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. She was born in Englewood, TN in the Methodist parsonage on January 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, Tennessee as well as a former professor of Behavioral Sciences at Southern Missionary College, now Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, Tennessee.

A graveside ceremony is planned for 11:00 am DST, Thursday, June , 01, 2023 : 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, Athens, Tennessee.

Dorcas asks that in lieu of flowers contribution be made to Tennessee Wesleyan University, 204 E. College Street, Athens, TN 37303.

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