January 19 1929 June 18 2019
To say Dorothy Mae Jackson Williams was in a fight her whole life is an understatement. Her faith in God, and love of her family allowed her to win her life long fight. In 2012 she sat down and wrote her life’s story. The following was taken from her own words. Born January 19, 1929 to John Jackson, Sr. and Maude Edna (Stewart) and being diagnosed as a child with Rheumatic Fever, she had little schooling and used library books to teach herself to read. After the death of her mom at age 11 her dad told her she was in charge of the house, and she took great care of her brothers and sisters: Hattie Mae Smith, John Jackson, Jr., Marie Howell, Carl Moses Jackson, and the baby Richard Jackson; the two of them always loved each other like mother and son. All of them whom have proceeded her in death. Growing up in the big band era, she loved music and could have been a professional singer, but Dorothy like the fast nightlife. At age 16 she worked as a domestic worker, but because of her heart condition companies didn’t want to take the risk to hire her. She prayed to God that He would give her strength to really be allowed to work. Later she kept food service jobs at Stouffers and Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she shined in catering special executive events, working with her close staff of friends Lillie, Nellie, Milka, and Steve. The church was always very important to Dorothy. She could not do without spirituality; a church without faith was hopeless. She talked to God as if she were sitting in His presence. She had one son, Jimmy Mathews who proceeded her in death. The doctor said she would never have children, but God gave her four daughters, Carol Williams – Peterson (George), Sharlene Fuller – Dingess (Eugene), JoAnn Moore (Chip), and Michelle Williams. Dorothy loved her baby birds. She took great pride in the knowledge that she had eight grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren. Dorothy loved family; she got her strength and her most happiest times when they were around. She had eleven nieces (three proceeded her in death), seven nephews, (two proceeded her in death), a host of great nieces, nephews, and other family members. Dorothy loved people. She loved conversation, sports, and politics. No one cheered louder for her Cleveland Cavaliers and her nephew, LeBron James. She loved Baseball and was blessed to see both Indians and Cavs games in person. Now next to God, family, and friends, food was Dorothy’s passion. Fresh ingredients and a clean environment was key to mouth watering meals that soothed the soul; Dorothy believed, in that order. Most of her close friends have proceeded her in death, but still left to cherish her memory are family friends, Nellie Ford and Ida Turner, who she loved and respected deeply. In 2007 Dorothy had another fight on her hands. Her weak heart was acting up again and her Miter valve had to be replaced. Once again she had pulled through, ensuring her family that she was talking with God the whole time. In 2015 Dorothy had her toughest fight. This time Dorothy suffered a massive stroke and doctors said she would never wake, but God had other plans. She was bedridden, paralyzed on her right side, and had to be tube fed. God said, “not yet!” And not only did she still know her family and friends, she took great pride and pleasure in directing how she liked her room kept, along with her hair and clothing. When she came home to live with Sharlene and Michelle she beamed with pride as she knew she was out of the nursing home and home with her family where she enjoyed family, friends, movies, songs, laughter, and her faith in God, as she often professed in her broken English, “Thank you, Thank you, Jesus!” Yes, Dorothy fought all her life, but thanks to her faith in God, and the love for her family she never fought alone. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dorothy May Jackson Williams please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Dorothy May Jackson Williams January 19 1929 June 18 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Cleveland, state: Ohio