Dorcas “Dot” Scroggins Saunders, 90, died Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014 at The Haven Assisted Living and Memory Care in Gulf Shores.
Dot was born in East Tallassee on Jan. 17, 1924.
After graduating from Tallassee High School, she attended Troy State University and the University of Montevallo.
In June 1943, Dot married Robert Lawrence “Bob” Saunders.
In 1956, Dot graduated from Auburn University with a degree in middle school language arts education. She later earned a master’s and specialist degree from Auburn University. In 1977, Dot earned a doctor of education degree from the University of Mississippi.
Throughout her career, Dot taught many grade levels and subject areas; however, she is best known for her English teaching skills. After teaching in the classroom for many years, Dot was appointed the first supervisor of curriculum for the Auburn City Schools.
After moving to Memphis in 1970, Dot began working for Shelby State Community College where she was instrumental in developing the remedial studies program.
After retiring from public education, Dot continued giving back to the community as a docent at the Memphis Zoo and as a valued volunteer at the Huntsville Botanical Garden.
In 2002, Dot's mystery novel, “The Rule of Two,” was published.
Family genealogy was a lifelong passion for Dot, and she has shared her research findings with numerous relatives and friends.
Dot was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. “Bob” Saunders; her parents, Arthur “Teasie” and Ruby Scroggins; and her sister, Challis Scroggins Rhodes.
She is survived by her daughter, Penny (Sonny) of Gulf Shores; her son, Ron (Kathy) of Winder, Ga.; three grandchildren, Lee Robert Eilert of Memphis, Tenn., Robbie Elizabeth Eilert of Memphis, Tenn. and Foster Hyatt Saunders of Winder, Ga.; her brother, Robert Scroggins (Irene) of Tallassee; brothers-in-law, Leon Mack of Pensacola and Charles Saunders of Troy; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, at 2 p.m., at Gulf Shores First Presbyterian Church.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Dr. Dorcas Scroggins Saunders Scholarship, Auburn University Foundation, 3084 Haley Center, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, or to the Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave., Huntsville, AL 35805, or to a charity of your choice.
