Mrs. Dorothy Frances Maclin

Dorothy Frances Donaldson Maclin was born December 29, 1930 to the late Hurshel Donaldson and Catherine Scott Donaldson in Gibson County, Tennessee. She was married to the late Robert Benjamin Maclin who preceded her in death on December 6, 2011. She departed this life on Monday, September 2, 2024 in her home. Dorothy, affectionately known as "Dot" was reared in a family Christian home with her father, mother, and siblings. She, along with her parents and siblings attended Parker Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, in Gibson, Tennessee. At an early age, Dorothy professed her faith and belief in God and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and became a member of the church. Dorothy loved attending church, worshipping God, and was very attentive in church. She listened to every word the preacher said. In fact, when she became of age she taught Sunday School, Bible School, sang in the Choir. In 1944, she attended Gibson County Training Elementary School and graduated from Gibson County Training High School in 1948. Upon graduating from high school, Dorothy pursued her college education at Lane College where she earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education in 1954. While at Lane, Dorothy became a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. It was also at Fair Lane where she met and married the love of her life; Robert Benjamin Maclin. To that union, a son, Jerome was born. Upon matriculation from Lane, Dorothy felt the need to gain more knowledge and expertise to enhance strategies to teach students to give them a better chance to become successful. Her need and desire prompted her to enroll in the Master's program at Memphis State University. There she earned the Master of Arts Degree in Education; all while being a full-time mother, wife, maintaining a full-time teaching position, attending classes, and studying courses to earn her Master's Degree. Dorothy was an excellent student who was sought by many school systems and districts to teach. This being true, prompted the family to move to various locations anywhere employment dictated their residence would be. She worked in the following schools or school systems: Monroe Grammer School, Newbern, TN, Market Tree, Arkansas, LaRose Elementary School, Wells Station Elementary School, and Caldwell Elementary; Memphis, Tennessee. Caldwell Elementary was her last teaching assignment where she bid farewell to teaching and retired.... or so she thought, until her principal prevailed with her and would not let her go that easily. He requested that she "please" return one more year to help the children. And of course, because of the love of her profession and students, she gladly returned for one more year. If not for Dorothy's dedication and love of teaching, students, caring, and compassion for her profession, she would have done what many of her colleagues had done.... bid farewell. Her teaching career spanned a total of 42 years. Prior to retirement during the summer months, Dorothy was always searching for places to take vacations. Although she enjoyed traveling throughout the states to see various sites; she wanted to see more. She loved to travel domestically and abroad. Anytime she was ready to go, she would get her closest and best friend, her dear sweet sister Margaret to join her. They were like two peas in a pod; Cagney and Lacey, spying where the next adventure would take them. One of her favorite excursions was to Jerusalem - The Holy Land. She was so impressed and in awe of what they saw and walked along places where Jesus walked. They also visited Rome, Paris, France, Italy, Hawaii, Canada, New York City, the Grand Canyon/Arizona, Mexico, etc. to name a few. Upon her return home from vacation, she enjoyed gardening, sitting on the porch or relaxing and listening to the chimes in the gazebo.... What a life! Dorothy is preceded in death by her late husband, Robert Benjamin Maclin of Gibson, Tennessee; parents Hurshel and Catherine Scott Donaldson, brothers, Robert Donaldson (Dottie), Carey Donaldson (Maxine), Willie Donaldson (Bettye) and Lynn Donaldson (Katherine). Those left to cherish her memory are: her son Jerome Maclin (Corene) of Jackson, Tennessee, granddaughter, Laketha D. Maclin; brother David Donaldson (Linda) of Gibson, Tennessee, sister, Margaret Donaldson Stamps, (Rev. Lynman Stamps, Sr. St. Louis Missouri, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins; other relatives and friends. Special thanks to Clarence Robinson; a dear, close, and generous friend of the family.

Mrs. Dorothy Frances Maclin

December 29, 1930 - September 2, 2024