Community leader, woman of faith, and tireless advocate for all Dorothy Ola Jackson transitioned peacefully on October 24, 2021 after a long illness. Known as a respected pillar of the Ohio political landscape, Dorothy dedicated her life to public service as the Deputy Mayor for Intergovernmental Relations, and through her work at Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority and Goodwill Industries. Dorothy was a tireless social activist lending her voice and support to issues concerning the poor and disabled. Dorothy created the first handicap housing in Akron, OH which was properly named Dorothy O. Jackson Terrace, she also had a park named after her in Kyriat Ekron, Isreal. As the recipient of many awards and honors including the Women in History Week Woman of the Year, the United Way Distinguished Service Award, and the Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award, none meant as much as the role of mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Prior to her birth, her family uprooted itself from Hoffman, Oklahoma to settle in Akron, Ohio. Dorothy was born in Akron, on November 9, 1933, as the youngest of seven children. She attended Akron’s Robinson Elementary and East High School, where she graduated in 1951.

After graduating high school, Dorothy worked in a local grocery store and attended night classes at the Actual Business College. Forced to quit her job and drop out of classes when her mother became ill, Dorothy spent the following four years caring for her mother, who died in 1952, and brother, who died in 1956. Following the sudden death of her father in 1957 from a fatal heart attack, Dorothy took a position as a secretary for Goodwill Industries. It was during this time that she earned a scholarship to Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C., where she learned to interpret for the hearing impaired; something that would become a lifelong passion in her work, the community, and her church. Dorothy developed a deep sense of dedication to issues that concerned the disabled. She quickly rose through the ranks from secretary to assistant public relations director at Goodwill Industries.

Her career took her to the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority where she created award-winning service programs for the next sixteen years as the Social and Tenant Services Administrator. Through her work, Dorothy merged fun with education to provide a high level of personalized tenant care for the residents and families. She understood providing a sense of community was important for people to survive and thrive.

In 1984, Dorothy made local history by accepting an appointment from then-Mayor Tom Sawyer to serve as Deputy Mayor for Intergovernmental Relations for the City of Akron; becoming the first African American woman to serve in the cabinet of the Akron Mayor’s office. In her role as Deputy Mayor, Dorothy was a determined social activist. She gave her voice and support to issues concerning the poor, disabled, and underrepresented.

Faith was a common denominator in Dorothy’s life; faith in God, faith in others, and faith in the power of one person to make a difference in the world. Her favorite scripture, Isaiah 40:31, stood as a testimony to her life: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as the eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” Dorothy was a faithful member of Arlington Church of God where she founded the Deaf Ministry and worked to spread the joy of Christ. Her passion for sign language allowed her to interpret for more than four decades. Dorothy used her talents to interpret for President Bill Clinton, Lou Rawls, Ruby Dee, and Ossie Davis, the annual Gospel Meets Symphony concert, and many more.

Akron has benefited tremendously from Dorothy’s care, concern, and creative problem-solving. Well known for her kind and unassuming nature, Dorothy was equally regarded for her determination to improve the lives of Akron’s most vulnerable children and adults. Dorothy was also well known for her home-cooked meals, delicious baked goods, welcoming spirit, and the way she opened up her home to so many.  Her generosity nourished legions.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, William & Dueallie Jackson; brothers, William, Alfred & Jasper Jackson; sisters, Lucille & Esther Jackson, Thelma Christopher, Annie (Berman) Stills, Edna (Nolen) Fitzpatrick.

Cherishing her love and memory is her loving and devoted daughter and caregiver, Renee (David) Jackson Aniere of Alexandria, VA; the love of her life, Anja L. Aniere of Washington, DC., who cared and lived with her for her last two years at home before going to assisted living; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Also, to cherish her memory is the Arlington Church of God, the City of Akron, Ohio, and all over the world.