Dorothy Gail Leggett Taulman

“I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together…”

Dorothy Gail Leggett Taulman, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Blue Ridge, GA on October 29, 2026. Born to Mendez Loran Leggett and Dorothy Von Seeberg Leggett in Macon, GA, on July 21,1937, Gail (or Gigi, as she was known to family and friends), lived a full and adventurous life, filled with family, friendships, travel, laughter and a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.

A natural athlete, Gail graduated from Miller High School in 1955, where she was captain of the basketball team. She went on to attend Auburn University, graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. During her time at Auburn, she was active in the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, was named ROTC Cadet Ball Queen in 1957, and was selected as an Auburn Calendar Girl in 1959. Following graduation, she pursued her passion for education and taught third grade elementary school in South Atlanta.

Family was always at the heart of Gail's life. In addition to being a loving daughter to her parents, Gail was a devoted sister to Loran Leggett and to the late Debbie Lokey. She adored her two daughters from her first marriage to the late Terry Whitman, Dorothy Carol Upshaw and Laura Letitia (Tish) DeFranks and was very proud of them.

Gail married John Taulman in 1975, beginning a new chapter of shared adventures. Together, they traveled the world, enjoyed countless rounds of golf, and embraced life in many special places. They split their time between Atlanta, GA, Palm Beach, FL, and on their beautiful Dahlia farm in Suches, GA.

Gail continued her deep love of the mountains, and purchased a family farm in Blue Ridge, GA. For almost 30 years, she made this special place a home and retreat for her family and friends, graciously hosting holidays, weddings, parties, and weekend retreats. No matter what the occasion was, Gigi found a way to make all those around her feel celebrated and loved.

It was a special place where Gail shared her appreciation for nature, love of animals, especially Mickey and Louis! Whether it was creating a beautiful space for gathering family or ensuring that you had just the right piece of jewelry to finish your ensemble. She could’ve taught a masterclass in southern hospitality with style. She set the standard for what it meant to be the “hostess with the mostess”.

She never met a stranger! Always “dressed to the nines”, Gail was the “Belle of the Ball” and her warm spirit and enthusiasm for life made her a memorable presence to those fortunate enough to know her. Gigi lit up the room with her kind spirit and loved bringing people together, celebrating occasions, and making memories with those closest to her. She celebrated life the way we all wish we could, and most of all, made those around her feel so loved and important.

Gail leaves behind a loving family, including her daughters, Dorothy Carol Upshaw and Laura Letitia DeFranks; son-in-law Michael DeFranks; her brother, Loran Leggett; her grandchildren, Dorothy Madison (Jacob) Folsom, Joshua Stephen (Cate) and Michael Loran DeFranks; and her great-grandchildren, Anderson, Baylor, and Cooper Folsom.

Gail's life was not defined by any one place or accomplishment, but by the many people she loved, the adventures she embraced, the friendships she nurtured, and the laughter she shared. She leaves behind a legacy of wonderful memories and a family who will forever cherish having been part of her remarkable journey.

To quote Gail’s favorite performer, Carol Burnett,

“I’m so glad we had this time together, just to have a laugh and sing a song; seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say, so long”

Gigi will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered at her Celebration of Life on Monday November 23, 2026 at 2pm in the chapel at Shallowford Presbyterian Church, 2375 Shallowford Road, Atlanta, GA 30345.

A second memorial will be scheduled in Blue Ridge, GA sometime next year.