Dorothy Camilla Franks Irvin Ray

Dorothy Camilla Franks Irvin Ray, age 97, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 28, 2025. Her passing marks the peaceful close of a long, faithful life spent loving Jesus, serving others, and nurturing generations of family and faith.

Born on September 17, 1927, Dorothy lived every one of her 97 years with purpose, passion, and unwavering devotion to God. She radiated the love of Jesus in every aspect of her life and was a tireless servant of His kingdom. A gifted teacher, preacher, mentor, intercessor, and friend, Dorothy poured into countless lives with wisdom, compassion, and a heart fully surrendered to the Lord. Through her ministry, prayers, and presence, she touched and impacted many lives for Christ—leaving a legacy that will echo in eternity.

Dorothy was a founding member of Union Church in Burnt Church, where her spiritual leadership and loving spirit helped shape the heart of the congregation. She also had a remarkable gift for sewing and was known as a great seamstress—crafting beauty and warmth with her hands, just as she did with her words and actions.

She experienced the blessing of two great loves in her life: her two wonderful husbands, Harold and Joe. Their love and partnership were cherished seasons in her life and testimonies of God's faithfulness. Above all, Dorothy loved her family fiercely, covering them in prayer and encouragement, always pointing them to Christ.

Her greatest desire was that all would come to know and serve the Lord. She lived that mission every day—ministering to the hurting, loving the overlooked, and shining the light of Jesus wherever she went. At 97, her heart was full and her soul was ready to meet the Savior she had walked with so faithfully for so long.

She is now reunited with loved ones gone before her and rests in the arms of Jesus, hearing the words she lived to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Joyce Pickens (Bobby) and Diane McGarrity, all of Savannah, Tennessee; daughter in law, Brenda Irvin of Loretta, Tennessee; sister, Margaret Sue Orr of Memphis, Tennessee; grandchildren, Cindy Crosswhite (Jeff), Kristy Fairall (Jonathan), Bridget Briley (Ben), Byron McGarrity, Marsha McGarrity, Chris Irvin, Jalana Franklin (Keith), and Victor Rivas; and great grandchildren, Justin McGarrity, Owen Crosswhite, Kenny Rodgers, Kaeden Franklin, Kendall Franklin, Kylen Franklin, Janaye Franklin, Jalyse Franklin, Casey Payne, Montanna Briley, Holly Irvin, Gracie Irvin, and Josh Cheek.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Dorothy was preceded in death by her son, Jimmy Irvin; sisters, Louise Shelby, Annie Kate Young, and Hazel Appenzellar; and great grandchild, Delayne Franklin.

A celebration of Dorothy’s life and faith will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Souls Harvest Church of God, where friends and family will gather to honor a woman who lived her life in full surrender to Christ and in deep love for others.