Mrs. Dorothy Ricketson Griffin Thurman passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 17, 2017. She was 94 years old. Born on October 3, 1923, she was the daughter of Robert and Fannie Ricketson and grew up on their farm near “The Rocks” north of Broxton. Her first marriage to Felton Griffin ended with his death in a tragic accident, leaving her to raise three daughters, Gwen 12, Gloria 5 and Debbie 3 on her own. Her skills as a seamstress became her livelihood as a single parent, and she continued using those skills throughout her life. She married George Thurman of Pridgen in 1964 and they had a wonderful marriage until he passed away.
Her life was lived by these important values to her – faith, family, friends and community. She was active in all her girls school activities, even to making all the uniforms for a Coffee High cheerleading team and majorette corps. She was an active member of TOPS and other community groups.
Her devotion to her church, College Avenue Baptist, was exemplary. When the church doors were open, her family was there. She sang in the choir for many years. For approximately 30 years she volunteered at Shady Acres Convalescent Center in their Tuesday worship service. Of special joy to her were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whether they were reading books, cooking with them in her kitchen, or her most favorite – taking them fishing.
Although she lived in Douglas most of her life, she was always a country girl at heart, loved to pick fruit and vegetables and can or freeze them. She was most happy when her freezer was full.
Survivors include: daughters: Gwen DeWalt and her husband Tom of Savannah, GA, Gloria Griffin of St. Simons Island, GA, Debbie Youmans and her husband Sam of Douglas, GA; sisters: Ruby Johnson of Broxton, GA, Arletha Tate of Snipesville, GA; brothers: Waymon Ricketson, Charles Ricketson and J. M. Ricketson all of Denton, GA; grandchildren: Carmen McConnell Knox of Brunswick, GA, Greg DeWalt of Atlanta, GA, Doug DeWalt of Savannah, GA, Jason Youmans of Fitzgerald, GA; 9 great grandchildren; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
The funeral service was Wednesday morning, December 20, 2017 at 11 a.m. at College Avenue Baptist Church where Rev. Matt Rutland and Rev. Mark Mercer officiated. The interment followed in Vickers Rural Cemetery.
Ricketson Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.