Doris Dunaway Heath, age 93, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on February 23, 2026. She was born on August 23, 1932, in Louisville, Kentucky, to the late George Arthur Dunaway and Lillian Marie McInteere Dunaway.
Doris grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. After graduating from high school she moved to St. Petersburg, Florida with her parents. That is where she met the love of her life, Franklin Pike Heath. After they retired, they moved to Swain County where they bought property and built a house. Learning to garden and enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables became a passion. When the time came to downsize, they chose Franklin as their next residence, where they built a life rooted in faith, friendship, and service. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Franklin and later attended Grace Presbyterian Church, where her gentle spirit and steadfast faith were a blessing to many.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Franklin Pike Heath, who passed away in 2012; her brother, Paul Dunaway; and her niece, Paula Foster.
Doris is survived by her caregiver, Gloria Owenby (Mitchell and family) and a host of cherished friends. Their love, support, and companionship enriched her life in countless ways.
A memorial service celebrating Doris’s life and faith will be held in the spring at Grace Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Jason Watts and Pastor Toby Pope officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Tupelo Children’s Mansion https://mansionkids.org/donate/ or The Salvation Army https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/waynesville/ organizations that reflect Doris’s lifelong heart for helping others.
Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
261 Iotla Street, Franklin, NC 28734
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more