Helen Dorothy Gillaspy, who for decades brought her energy, discipline and dry wit to teaching English and Latin in Jackson’s public and private schools, died peacefully on January 12, 2024 at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. She was 87.
A Memorial to be held at a later date.
Dorothy was born on Dec. 8, 1936, in Jackson and attended the city’s schools, graduating from Central High School in 1955. She went on to Mississippi College for undergraduate work In English and Latin, and there attained her master’s degree in English in 1961.
She grew up in the Calvary Baptist Church family and later became a member of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson.
Dorothy taught in schools throughout the city, including Hardy Junior High School, Peeples Junior High School, Wingfield High School, Murrah High School, Clinton High School and First Presbyterian Day School. Students knew her for the academic rigor and high standards she brought to her teaching – attributes she balanced artfully with humor and her signature stare over the top of her glasses.
After she retired, some of her students stayed in touch and visited her, treasuring her friendship. They recall adoring her even more as their teacher. Just to get a rise out of her, many would tell her that Latin is a dead language, knowing full well that it was and is not. There would come the hard stare over the top of her glasses and her laughing away such a silly notion. In return, Dorothy shared her remembrances of her students and her appreciation of their love and affection.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis Lorenzo Posey Jr. and Helen Frankinson Posey, an unnamed baby brother, and her daughter, Helen Dorothy Gillaspy.
She is survived by her former husband, Robert Gillaspy of Florida, and her cousins, Peter Potter (Joy) of Georgia; James Owens Sr., Lauren Holley (Tim), James Owens Jr. (Lauren), Amy Velez (Charlie), Lance Potter (Maria) and Martin Knight, all of Tennessee; Leigh Griffin (Tyson), Lindsay Figueiredo (Jose) and Arlene Potter, all of North Carolina; Russell Potter of Florida; and Tekla Potter (Guy) of Mississippi.
Dorothy also is survived by her many friends, colleagues and students.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, 1390 North State St., Jackson, MS 39202.
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