Dr. Beth Dupree Farokhi

Dr. Beth (Dupree) Farokhi, aged 70, died peacefully on June 22, 2018, at her home in Kennesaw, Georgia, after a swift struggle with cancer. Born February 16, 1948 in Augusta, Georgia, the only daughter of Helen and Walker Dupree, Beth lived a life of humility and altruism that nurtured those around her and challenged the status quo. As a young woman in Augusta, she graduated Richmond Academy, where she starred on the basketball team. She then attended LaGrange College before moving to Marietta to teach elementary school. Soon thereafter, she began graduate studies in education receiving degrees from Emory (MA) and University of Georgia (Ed.D.). In 1973, she married Dr. Nasrolah Farokhi. Together, and married until her death, they raised two sons and a daughter and embarked on a life in education and political and social action.

Beth built a 24-year career at Georgia State University where she coordinated curriculum development for more than 50 degree programs in the College of Education. While at GSU, she established a women's leadership program, founded and published an international gender equity newsletter, and served in state and national leadership of the American Association of University Women. Upon her retirement in 2005, Beth's purpose took flight. She ran unsuccessfully for Cobb County School Board and Georgia State School Superintendent before serving as Head of School at The Galloway School and President of the LaGrange College Alumni Association and member of its Board of Trustees. In 2018, she was awarded LaGrange College's Distinguished Service Alumni Award. She was active in Democratic politics, serving as chair of the Education Committee for the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women and was an active member of the Cobb County Democratic Party. An eighth-generation Georgian, Beth was deeply proud of her state and spend the last few years interviewing women across Georgia who had made a difference in their communities. But perhaps nothing gave her as much joy as working to help other women succeed, mentoring countless others as they pursued their professional and political ambitions.

More important than her professional accomplishments, Beth was a mother and husband. She taught her children patience, selflessness, joy, perseverance, an unwavering curiosity for the world and to love and respect all people, no matter what. With her husband, they lifted each other up at all times, supporting each other's pursuits and passions. She was an ardent supporter of Morris Brown College, where her husband has worked for 38 years, and Atlanta's Persian community. Her heart and home was open and boundless. After meeting her husband, who immigrated to the United States from Iran, she welcomed over 35 young Iranians into her home over the years as they got settled and found their way in America.

In her life, she touched thousands of people. Always with grace, kindness, and selflessness. Indeed, perhaps most remarkable, she never once uttered a negative word about anyone, quick to remind those close to her, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything."

She loved Augusta, Georgia, flowers, strong women (especially, Hillary Clinton), James Brown, the author Janise Ray, the beach, and chocolate.

Beth is survived by her husband, Nasrolah Farokhi, sons, Arman Rashidfarokhi of St. Louis, MO, and Amir Farokhi of Atlanta, GA; a daughter Sanaz Rashidfarokhi of Los Angeles, CA, and her brother, Len Dupree of Blairsville, GA.

A private graveside service for immediate family members was held in Augusta, GA on June 25, 2018. A memorial service will be held on July 7, 2018 at Ebenezer Baptist Church at 2:00PM.