Celebrating the Life of Dorothy Mae Jones (Nee Adams)

A Life of Faith, Family, Strength & Style

Dorothy Mae was born on July 9, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Reuben and Lugenia Adams. She was the youngest of three children and was preceded in death by her older siblings, Ludarya and Reuben Jr.

From the very beginning, Dorothy was a woman who was not afraid to do things her own way. She was independent, determined, and ahead of her time. At just 12 years old, Dorothy learned how to drive—something that was uncommon during that era and especially uncommon for a young woman of color. That early independence reflected the woman she would become; strong, capable, courageous, and never afraid to chart her own path.

Dorothy was educated in Cleveland Public Schools and, early in life, accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her faith became one of the greatest foundations of her life. She was a faithful member of Liberty Hill Baptist Church, where she attended Sunday school and worship services regularly.

Her faith was not merely something she practiced; it was a guiding presence in her life—one she lovingly shared with and instilled in her children and grandchildren. Dorothy firmly believed in teaching her children and grandchildren about the Lord. She faithfully attended church and emphasized the importance of developing a personal relationship with God. Through her faith, guidance, and example, she sought to live out the words of Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

In 1960, Dorothy married Paul Fletcher at Liberty Hill Baptist Church. Together, they raised five daughters: Rachael, Denita, Lenora, Paulene, and Janette. She devoted herself to her family and worked tirelessly to provide for them while teaching them the values that mattered most—faith, integrity, hard work, independence, and family.

And if you knew Dorothy, you knew that she was going to look good while doing it!

Dorothy was a true fashionista. She was always dressed “sharp” and had a style all her own. She was a woman who understood the importance of looking good and carrying herself like a lady and with confidence. Her love of fashion was simply another expression of the vibrant woman she was.

Dorothy also had a love for the arts. For several years, she performed modern dance and tap dance, allowing her creativity and personality to shine. She enjoyed playing bingo and loved a good outing, especially when it gave her an opportunity to have fun and spend time with people she loved.

Dorothy was also a woman of tremendous determination when it came to her career. She had an extensive employment history, working for McCord, Warner & Swasey, General Electric, and Bailey Controls. She was known for her strong work ethic and commitment to doing her job well.

When Dorothy retired from Bailey Controls, she did not believe in sitting still. She continued working part-time for several years. Even well into her late 80s, she maintained an active lifestyle and enjoyed walking daily with a group of friends. Her commitment to staying active and connected with others was just one more example of her remarkable spirit.

But above everything else, Dorothy loved her family.

Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She was present in their lives, celebrated them, guided them, and helped shape the people they’ve become. She was especially instrumental in raising three of her grandchildren, giving them not only a home and support, but the love, structure, wisdom, and faith that would remain with them throughout their lives.

Dorothy’s influence did not stop with her children or grandchildren. Her love extended through generations, and her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren became part of the legacy she worked so hard to build.

In 1992, Dorothy married the love of her life, Alonzo Jones. Together, they shared laughter, adventures, hobbies, and countless memories. They enjoyed traveling and taking casino trips to different cities. They were also a remarkably stylish couple. Dorothy and Alonzo took pride in looking good together, and anyone who knew them understood that whenever they stepped out together, they would be dressed at their best! Their relationship was filled with companionship, laughter, and shared experiences—a beautiful chapter in Dorothy’s life.

Dorothy also cherished the people outside of her immediate family who became part of her life. Her nephew, Clarence Vaughn, held a particularly special place in her heart. Clarence made it a point to call, visit, and check on his auntie, and their relationship was a source of love and comfort to Dorothy.

Dorothy’s faith remained steadfast throughout her life. She loved to say that she was “Blessed by the Best!” and two of her favorite scriptures were Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

And Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

These scriptures speak beautifully to the woman Dorothy was. She was strong. She persevered. She loved deeply. She worked hard. She faced life with determination. And through it all, she trusted in God.

Her Legacy

Dorothy leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply by the number of years she lived, but by the number of lives she touched.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters: Denita Fletcher, Lenora Fletcher, Paulene Coleman (Charles), and Janette Henderson (Earl). Her oldest daughter, Rachael Fletcher, preceded her in death.

She leaves her beloved grandchildren: Tyjaun Fletcher, Carmen Fletcher, Brigit Bailey (Sylvester), Brushawn Fletcher Perry, Eddevani Fletcher, Elevani Fletcher, Elise Fletcher-Hicks, Joshua Coleman, Quintana Coleman, Vikki, and Nickki Henderson. She was preceded in death by her oldest grandson, Damon Fletcher Sr., and grandson Paul Coleman.

She also leaves a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, along with extended family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives were made better simply because Dorothy was in them.

Dorothy was many things to many people: a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, wife, aunt, sister, friend, mentor, caregiver, dancer, traveler, fashionista, and woman of faith.

But perhaps her greatest titles were simply “Mom” and “Grandma.”

She loved her family fiercely. She taught them how to work hard, how to carry themselves with dignity, how to have faith, and how to enjoy life. She showed them that strength and femininity could exist together, that independence was something to embrace, and that no matter your age, you should keep moving, keep laughing, keep loving, and keep living.

Dorothy lived 92 years of a life filled with memories, relationships, accomplishments, laughter, faith, and love.

Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her voice, her life lessons, her style, her laughter, her strength, and—most importantly—her love will continue to live through the generations she helped shape.

Dorothy may have taken her final journey from this earthly life, but the legacy she leaves behind is one that will never fade.

Rest well, Dorothy.

You lived.
You loved.
You gave.
You taught.
You endured.
You inspired.

And you will forever be loved, remembered, and missed.