Atlanta's Women of Distinction

Dorothy Chapman Fuqua

1921 — 2015
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This generous philanthropist created one of the crown jewels of Atlanta...

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Dorothy Chapman Fuqua
Dorothy Chapman Fuqua was a devoted wife, loving mother, generous friend, passionate gardener, active community volunteer, and a visionary philanthropist. Born February 2, 1921, in the small rural town of Davisboro, Georgia, Dottie graduated from Davisboro High School with honors and took business classes at Hurst Business College.

While working as a secretary at Sears Roebuck in nearby Augusta, she met J. B. Fuqua, a young broadcaster and entrepreneur, whom she married in 1945. In the course of their 61-year marriage, Dottie was J.B.’s devoted partner and best friend, supporting his extraordinary rise to internationally recognized industrialist, Georgia political leader, and philanthropist. ​The Fuquas endowed the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, the Fuqua Heart Center at Piedmont Hospital, the Dorothy C. Fuqua Conservatory and Orchid House at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Fuqua Center for Late Life Depression at Emory, and generously gave to many other educational and community organizations.
​From relatively humble beginnings, Dottie and J. B. would become friends with many of the most successful business and political leaders of the 20th century. ​A gracious hostess, she entertained everyone from her dear friend Lady Bird Johnson to the Dalai Lama in her Atlanta home and in the exquisite Japanese gardens she lovingly created over the years. Unchanged by privilege, she was as kind to the local cashier as to a world leader.
​Known for her poise, grace, and generous spirit, she was greatly loved by all because she loved all greatly. Dottie Fuqua lived a life grounded in a deep faith and guided by the principle that it is not what others can do for you but what you can do for others. She served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Skyland Trail, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center, Presbyterian College, Shepherd Center, Lovett School, and many others.

​Her leadership on behalf of mental illness, health care, and education has changed the lives of thousands. Dottie Fuqua’s life truly made the world a gentler, kinder, and more beautiful place. Source: Dignity Memorial
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Dorothy Chapman Fuqua
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Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Inside the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Orchid Center at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Orchid Center at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

How & Where to Connect

The best way to connect with this woman of distinction is to visit the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory and Orchid Center at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Instructions for getting there are provided below.
The Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory was opened in 1989 to highlight the botanical richness of selected tropical and desert regions around the world, and to educate visitors on issues of conservation and plant use. The Fuqua Conservatory is divided into five display areas: the lobby area, which houses the Garden's Amphibian Displays; the Orangerie; Special Exhibits; Desert House; and the Tropical Rotunda (shown in video here).
Tropical Rotunda: Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory
The Fuqua Orchid Center, a separately-funded Garden project, is connected to the back of the Fuqua Conservatory.
Not just a display of plants from climates around the world, the 16,000-square-foot Fuqua Conservatory requires heat, hand-watering, ventilation and occasional organic pest control and fertilizers to maintain optimal climates. Sensors throughout poll each minute, measuring light, humidity and temperature, and motorized ventilation systems adjust accordingly.

Getting there...

Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory at the
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30309
​Google Map

​The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a one-mile walk from the Arts Center MARTA station.

Don't miss...

  • Atlanta Botanical Garden
  • Fuqua Orchid Center
  • Piedmont Park
  • Eastside Trail (Beltline)
  • Northeast Trail (Beltline)

Learn more...

  • ​​Dorothy Fuqua, 93: Giving to others was life’s theme​ (AJC)
  • Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory (Atlanta Botanical Garden)
  • Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Tribute (Verse In Progress)
  • JB Fuqua Foundation
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  • Home
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  • Map
  • Explore
    • ATL Freedom Trail
    • Black Leaders of ATL
    • Peachtree Street Walking Tour
    • Sweet Auburn
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