Franklin – Dorothy Councill Beale , 96, a lifelong resident of Franklin and Southampton County died September 15, 2017. She was born June 29, 1921 to the late Robbie C. Councill and Ruby Howell Councill. She was a retired teacher from the Franklin Public Schools. For over fifty years her family owned and operated Blackwater Pallet, Inc. Her husband John M. Beale preceded her in death as well as a brother Robbie C. Councill, Jr., a sister and infant brother.

She was a graduate of Franklin High School and Madison College, now James Madison University. She was an outstanding member of her college class, serving as an officer of the student government. She attended the 60 ^th anniversary of her college class reunion in 2002.

She was a member of the Franklin Congregational Christian Church, where she served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Clerk of the church for 22 years, Sunday School teacher, President of the Woman's Fellowship, and on numerous committees. She was a member of the Franklin Literary Club, charter member and past president of the Franklin Woman's Club, the Southampton Historical Society, the Rawls Museum of Arts and a faithful supporter of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Beale Cheshire and husband Joseph B. Cheshire, V of Raleigh, NC; her son, John Milton Beale, Jr. of Carrsville, VA, three grandchildren; Joseph B. Cheshire VI and wife Lindsay Cheshire, John Milton Beale Cheshire and wife Michal Cheshire and Juliette Faircloth Grummon-Beale and husband Geoff Grummon-Beale, three great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful neighbors and devoted friends. She most wants to thank the wonderful ladies that stayed with her. They offered her so much love and comfort.

A graveside funeral will be held at 2PM Monday September 18, 2017 at Poplar Spring Cemetery Franklin, VA with Rev. James H. Hyatt, Jr. officiating.

The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the Franklin Congregational Christian Church after the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Franklin Congregational Christian Church, 412 N. High St. Franklin, VA 23851 or to the American Cancer Society. www.wrightfuneralhome.org