Dorothy "Dot" Larkins

Dorothy Larkins, known to so many as Dot, entered into life eternal on January 22, 2015. She is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law: John and Clare Larkins of Dunwoody, Gary Larkins of St. Simons Island, Jeff and Phylis Larkins of Watkinsville; granddaughter Lydia Larkins; four grandsons and their wives: Jake and Kerry Larkins, McKinley and Megan Larkins, Matt and Amanda Larkins, Bo and Amber Larkins; and three great-grandchildren: Knox, Elly, and Henry.
Dorothy Frances Mooney Larkins was born July 14, 1930 in Rome, Ga., and grew up on the campus of Berry College. She attended the famous Possum Trot School. Her father, Walter Mooney, was one of Martha Berry's "mountain boys," and became the horticulturist in charge of Berry's gardens and grounds, which are the largest in the world. Her mother, Elizabeth, was a high-school Latin teacher. Dot attended GSCW for two years and then graduated from the University of Georgia at the age of 19. She married John K. Larkins, Sr. in 1950, and they lived in Hoboken (Ga.), Waycross, and Albany. The family moved to Athens in 1970.
As a devoted mother, she provided a loving and beautiful home for her three sons. She loved to cook, loved to read, and spent many happy hours on her porch over-looking the lake. As her sons grew up and married, Dot was also more than just a mother-in-law, she was a dear and cherished friend. She adored her grandchildren, and even her three young great-grandchildren have cherished memories of their Dot-Dot.
Dot taught school for many years. She is best remembered by many in the Athens area as a beloved fourth grade teacher at Athens Academy. She joined the Athens Academy faculty in 1970, shortly after the school's founding. For the next twenty-five years, her classroom was a favorite of so many children. Who could ever forget the Goody-Pot full of candy when a sweet reward for a job well-done was in order; or Fort Solitude, the special reading loft, full of soft cozy pillows! Dot inspired the best in each student, and was certainly the epitome of the moto on the original Athens Academy emblem: Excellentia Cum Honorum.
Dot's life has been a life filled with love and with giving: mother, teacher, mother-in-law, friend, grandmother, and great-grandmother. We are all blessed to have had her in our lives.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 31, 11:00am; St. Stephens Anglican Catholic Church, 800 Timothy Road, Athens 30606.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Athens Academy, PO Box 6548 Athens, GA 30604