Dorothy Jean Morrison was born June 13, 1949, in Valdosta, Georgia, to George and Reatha Mae Morrison as the third child of ten. She matriculated through the Lowndes County School District and became a proud graduate of Westside High School in 1967.

During her early years, she worked at the Levi’s Jean Factory, where she met the love of her life, Fred Manning. Fred and Dorothy married on August 14, 1970, and started their lives together in Cleveland, Ohio, where they had two daughters, Tawana and Tarneka.

Dorothy worked as a teacher’s assistant in the Cleveland Public School District until she welcomed her firstborn, Tawana, and became a stay-at-home mom. She was much more than a homemaker, she was an active member of the community, serving on the PTA and the Cleveland Heights Community Congress, and as a Girl Scout Leader for both of her daughters.

Her most prized commitment was to her church, Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she held several leadership roles, serving as leader of the Usher Ministry, the Missionary Society, Quilting Club and the Kitchen Ministry.

Many knew Dorothy for her cooking and baking, preparing cakes for the holidays and catering many events. She was a skilled seamstress who sewed and made alterations for family and friends. She was also a crafter who loved decorating for every holiday. Dorothy loved traveling with her family, and last year celebrated her 55th wedding anniversary in her dream vacation destination of Hawaii.

Dorothy went home to be with the Lord July 20, 2026, in her hometown of Valdosta, GA. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, George and Reatha Mae Morrison, and her brother, Robert Morrison.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 55 years, Fred Manning; two daughters, Tawana Allen of Columbus, Ohio, and Tarneka Diggs (Khoy) of Chicago, IL; one granddaughter, Olivia Allen; and her godson, Steven Crowell. She is also survived by her siblings, Georgia Lester (Melvin, deceased), James (JD) Morrison (Helen), Johnny Morrison (Beverly), Rose Small (Greg), Debra Copeland, Zelda Green (Mike), Ferman Morrison, and Keith Morrison, along with one brother-in-law, James (Snake) Manning, three sisters-in-law, Earlene Carter (Sam), Erma Manning, and Cynthia Hunter (Steve). She also had a host of nieces, nephews, and chosen family.