On August 15, 2024, surrounded by loved ones, Dorothy Mae Davis Wilson of Cleveland Ohio was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Born June 1, 1928, in Birdeye Arkansas, she was the fifth of nine children born to Sydney and Josephine Davis. Always happy, always smiling, she was admired for her inner and outer beauty. With glowing skin, big brown eyes, and an engaging smile, she embodied the essence of a “girly girl” who loved just being alive. After graduating from Booker T. Washington high school she moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she spent fun times with family and friends. Settling down at the age of twenty-one, she married and soon became a mother of five.

Dorothy had a deep love for all things stylish –pretty clothes, pretty shoes, pretty hair, and pretty people. Music, gardening, bowling, soap operas, parenting, and hard work filled her days and nights. Dorothy lived for her five children, adored her church family, and cherished her relationship with God. A longtime member of Lee Memorial AME Methodist Church, Dorothy served with dedication as a Stewardess, nurses guild, and Sunday School Teacher. Her radiant smile and vibrant personality made her a natural in her role as a Girl Scout Leader – her education, life experiences, commitment to equality and a valuable member of the city’s Black Caucus. Dorothy’s passion for helping others extended to her work at St. Augustine Manor in Cleveland, Ohio, where she worked as a nurse’s aide.

As a mother losing two sons, Dorothy was forced to face life’s rugged trails. With the love of her family, the communion of her church, and her faith in a living God, she carried the memory of her sons in her heart as she prayed, “May they rest in peace.” Known for her peach cobbler, and German chocolate cake, Dorothy’s fondness for food took her through various roles in commercial, catering, and family kitchens. Whether related through birth, adopted, or fostered, she offered a warm smile, outstretched hands, an open door, and giving heart. Dorothy created a village where she accepted, fed, supported, and loved. Soothing hearts, fulfilling wishes, honoring commitments, and making dreams come true.
Dorothy is survived by a son Rogers Wilson (Daryl), daughter Vicki Andrea Wilson, son Terrance Len Wilson; grandchildren Nicole Janelle Wilson, Cory Jonathan Wilson (Kristin), Evan Elizabeth Wyman (Matthew), and Terrance Len Wilson Jr. Great grandchildren, Connor Jackson Wyman, Nora Katherine Wyman, Jett Elise Wilson, Franki Brooklyn Wilson, Stone Andrew Wilson, Scout Ivy Wilson, sister Naiomi Baity, and nieces and nephews who will miss their “Aunt Dot.” She is preceded in death by her parents Sidney and Josephine Davis, a brother, six sisters, and sons Ricky and Gregory Wilson.