Dorssie Lee Wagner “Ganny”, 84, died from natural causes in her sleep on Friday, May 7, 2021 at her home in Huntsville, AL.
Dorssie leaves her sons, Clifford C. Wagner III and Eric Lee Wagner; daughter-in-law, Glinda C. Clardy; and grandsons, Clifford C. Wagner IV, Harrison Wagner, Hunter Wagner, Dylan Clardy and Wilhelm Clardy.
Dorssie graduated from Centre College with a degree in English and then went on to receive her master’s degree in Education from Union College. Dorssie loved her time as an Army wife living and traveling throughout Europe in the mid-60’s. Once back in the U.S. she lived in her hometown of Corbin, KY while her then husband, Cliff, was in Vietnam. Upon his return she moved the entire family to Tuscaloosa while Cliff received a master’s degree, and finally to Huntsville where she called home for 50 years. She was an avid Alabama football and Kentucky basketball fan (although she pulled for the Tide during their Sweet-16 run earlier this year).
Dorssie gave her students the same type of love and care she gave her family throughout her 32-year career with the Huntsville City Schools. It never failed that she would see one or sometimes two of what she called “her kids” while out and about in Huntsville. Sharp as a tack, she always knew their name and could mostly place the year they came through her classroom. She gave her time not only in the classroom but as volunteer to numerous community organizations throughout the years. Dorssie was also awarded the commission of Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky noting her accomplishments and outstanding service to our community, state, and nation. Most notably, Dorssie went to clown school to become “Rainbow Ganny” and put that to work at local hospitals for children recovering from medical issues.
Dorssie was a vibrant storyteller, and her love of people was evident in conversations with those she knew and strangers alike. She was always sharing her experiences from her childhood and adult life with all of us and the occasional stranger. She made people feel important, comfortable, and like a lifelong friend.
Over all things Dorssie loved her sons and grandchildren with all her might. Affectionately known as Ganny to not only her grandkids but everyone else once she became a grandmother. She gave unyielding encouragement to us all in good times and bad, all the while providing the “white light” she was so known to spread. She loved life and lived hers to the fullest every day and always ended our conversations with “I Love You”. She will be missed tremendously by both her family and friends.
Visitation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. Thursday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, with a Celebration of Life immediately following in the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, our family is asking for donations to Free2Teach in her honor at https://free-2-teach.org/impact/donate/, providing resources to teachers in Madison County’s three public school systems.
