Dorothy Rhorer Claiborne

Dorothy Rhorer Claiborne, a native of Atlanta, died on March 14, 2011 at Canterbury Court. She celebrated her 97th birthday in January with her family. She was married to Thomas Sterling Claiborne, an Atlanta physician who died in 1987. Her survivors include a daughter, Mary Anne Johnston and her husband, Richard B. Johnston, Jr., of Silverthorne, CO; a daughter, Dorothy Claiborne Duke and her husband, Charles M. Duke, of New Braunfels, TX; a son, Thomas Sterling Claiborne, Jr. and his wife, Ruth Farmer Claiborne, of Atlanta; seven grandchildren Richard B. Johnston, III, S. Claiborne Johnston, Kristin J. Rusk, Charles M. Duke III, Thomas C. Duke, Anne B. Claiborne, William R. Claiborne and their spouses; nineteen great grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. A daughter of Stuart Lynn and Wilma Chapline Rhorer of Atlanta, Dorothy was the last surviving member of a family that included her three sisters and a brother. She grew up in Ansley Park, attended Atlanta Public Schools, Stuart Hall in Virginia, and graduated from the Washington Seminary in Atlanta. She was a former member of North Avenue Presbyterian Church, and following her marriage she joined the Cathedral of St. Philip. During World War II, Dorothy lived with her family in Marietta while her husband served in the United States Army overseas. Upon his return, they moved into their home on West Wesley Road, in Buckhead, which was then considered far outside of town. They raised their family in this home, where she lived for sixty years before moving to Canterbury Court. She became a member of the Junior League of Atlanta, the Peachtree Garden Club, and the St. Agnes Chapter at the Cathedral of St. Philip. She also enjoyed collecting and restoring antiques. She was honored with a photo and interview in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2006 for having voted a record 68 times since 1980. Dorothy Claiborne’s greatest joys were her 50-year-long marriage to Sterling Claiborne, and her role as mother to her children. She will be remembered for her optimistic point of view, her devotion to her family, and her many loving friendships. The service will be held at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Mikell Chapel at 2:00 pm on Saturday March 19. The family will receive friends in the Court of Gratitude at the Cathedral one hour prior to the service. A private burial will follow in the family plot at St. James Episcopal Cemetery, Marietta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Canterbury Court or the Cathedral of St. Philip. Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta will be handling the service. www.mayeswarddobbins.com

Dorothy Rhorer Claiborne

March 15, 2011