Dorothy Eugenia Topple Cayce (Genia)

Dorothy Eugenia Topple Cayce (Genia) passed away on April 23, 2019. Genia was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.  She shone with courage, kindness, faith, a sense of justice, and a love of fun and adventure. She worked to make the world a better place and had the grace and warmth to be heartfully present to all who knew her. 

Though her life began and ended in Decatur, she was a global citizen. After graduating from Tucker High School, Furman University (where she was a soccer player), and the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird), she lived and worked in Mexico City as a Fulbright Scholar as well as many other spots across the globe.  

Genia found her vocation in the early days of the microfinance industry, supporting small-scale entrepreneurial activity through affordable “micro-loans” in lesser-industrialized countries.  She matched her professional skills with her interest in helping vulnerable people to achieve significant goals for herself and others.  

Locally, Genia focused time and energy by serving on the boards of directors for several not-for-profit agencies in Decatur and Atlanta.  She led the capital campaign for The Woodlands Garden in 2017, enabling significant improvements to make it more accessible to the community.  Of course, one activity which gave her great joy was coaching her daughter’s soccer team throughout the “rec” years.

Following her breast cancer diagnosis, she focused on building memories with those she loved, while continuing to make a difference in her community and the world.  She gave of herself for the benefit of others, leaving a rich professional, volunteer, and personal legacy. Nothing brought her greater joy, however than the time she devoted to raising her beloved son and daughter, Henry and Elsa.