Helen "Dorie" Franks Ferrell

     Helen "Dorie" Franks Ferrell, known affectionately as Dorie, passed away peacefully of natural causes on August 6, 2023, in Lanett, Alabama. Born on June 20, 1955, in West Point, Georgia, Dorie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

     Dorie was the cherished wife of William David Ferrell and the loving mother of Holly McNeill (Paul). She was the proud grandmother of Carson Alexander Marasco, her "little buddy" who was the center of her world. Dorie was the dear sister of Alan Franks, Sr., and the adored aunt of Marcia Moncus (Jonathan), Alan Franks, Jr. (Danielle), Mack Waites (Connie), Stacey Rogers, and Matthew Rushing (Holly). She also leaves behind several great nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends.

     Dorie was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Doris Franks, her sister, Deborah Rushing, her sister-in-law, Jane Franks, and her niece, Crystal Wright.

     Dorie was a lifelong learner who earned her associate's degree in nursing and became a Registered Nurse, specializing as a surgical nurse (CNOR). She began her career as a volunteer at George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital and completed her career in nursing after 43 years of dedicated service. Dorie was a loving, meticulous, and selfless individual who loved caring for her patients and their families. Her meticulous nature and commitment to her profession were evident in the quality of care she provided.

    Outside of her professional life, Dorie had a variety of interests. She was an avid Atlanta Braves fan, a supporter of the University of Alabama football team, and a NASCAR enthusiast who loved Kasey Kahne. Dorie enjoyed camping, fishing, and had a special fondness for collecting Teddy Bears.

     In the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Dorie embodied this sentiment, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. Her love, kindness, and selflessness will be remembered by all who knew her.

     Dorie's life was a testament to her strength, resilience, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her dedication to her profession, her love for her family, and her passion for life.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Dorie's memory to Chattahoochee Hospice. 

     A Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday evening, August 8th, 2023 at 7:00P.M. EDT at the Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley.  Visiting hours will be from 5:00P.M. EDT until 7:00P.M. EDT. The Reverend Rusty Letson officiating.

     Please visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind message for her family, share a memory of Dorie, or to light a Remembrance Candle in her memory.

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