Dorothy Rose Simmons Stock

Dorothy Rose Simmons Stock passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, November 2, 2025, at her home at The Marshes of Skidaway Island in Savannah, Georgia.

Born in Macon, Georgia, on February 3, 1932, she was the daughter of Moses Isaac Simmons and Aline Jane Friedman Simmons. Her beloved Uncle Harry Simmons lived with them and enriched her childhood.

Dorothy attended the University of Georgia in Athens, where she was a member of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. It was through a building project for the sorority house that she got to personally know her future husband, Joseph David Stock. Joe was a member of Tau Epsilon Phi and eagerly volunteered to help. To spend as much time as possible with her, and to impress her... Joe insisted on numerous meetings to discuss project plans and progress. He did, and they were married on November 11, 1951. She joined him at Camp Stewart in Hinesville, Georgia, where he was stationed with the U.S. Army.

A lifelong learner and teacher, Dorothy spent a short time in the classroom but devoted her life to education — both for her own children and others in the community. She helped individuals learn to read, manage personal finances, and gain independence.

She was active in the Walker County Historic Preservation Society and helped preserve the Marsh House in LaFayette. Another enduring legacy in LaFayette was the creation of Joe Stock Park. Dot further demonstrated her dedication to preservation after seeing a hand-drawn Civil War battle map on the wall of Vic’s restaurant in Savannah on River Street. She obtained permission to photograph it and commissioned a replica for display at Chattooga Academy aka Gordon Hall in LaFayette which had served as Confederate General Braxton Bragg’s headquarters. 

Dot was an active member of the LaFayette Women’s Club, serving as president and chairing many of its committees over the years. She was civic minded and involved with numerous other community services as well.

In 2003, she was recognized by the LaFayette Rotary Club with the Jean Harris Award, an award presented to a non-Rotarian who exemplifies Service Above Self volunteerism in the community. In 2005, even though she was not a member, she received an Award for Excellence in Community Service from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She embraced her Jewish faith and its values with pride and was a former member of Sha’arey Israel Synagogue in Macon, B’nai Zion Synagogue in Chattanooga, Jewish Community Center in Chattanooga, Jewish Women of the Landings in Savannah and was a current member of Congregation Agudath Achim in Savannah.

Dorothy is survived by her loving daughters Marla Geffen (Morris), Margaret “Missy” Wise (Steve), and Karen Rosenberg (Mark); her devoted grandchildren Rachel Geffen Henderson (Spence), Matthew Wise (Miho), Bryan Firestone (Melissa), Phillip Geffen, and Joanna Firestone; and three cherished great-grandchildren — Mark Wise, Sasha Wise, and Perry Henderson. She enjoyed fun times and had special relationships with other family members as well.

She was predeceased and is survived by dear friends in LaFayette, Chattanooga and Savannah. Many of them were like sisters. They enjoyed Bridge, travelling, musical performances and more. She loved entertaining and did so with grace and ease. She joyfully embraced organizing, participating, and hosting special celebrations with friends and family.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the team at Hospice Savannah and to her exceptional caregivers Abbey Merriweather, LaToya Sardis (Home Instead), Hope Boggs, and Cynthia Holmes for their care and compassion. Special appreciation to Cherrina Simmons (Home Instead), whose extraordinary kindness and her gift for connection and gentle humor brought immense joy and comfort to Dorothy in her final years.

Burial will take place in Rome, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 5, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice Savannah or to a favorite charity.