Jeannette “Burpy” Darlene Williams Dobbins was the third child born to James and Minnie Williams on August 20th, 1951 at 4435 Woodland Ave. in Cleveland’s Central Neighborhood. Both of parents preceded her in death.

Jeannette began and completed her k-12 education in the CMSD school district as a proud East Tech Scarab. Jeannette attended Case Woodland, Kennard, and played basketball with Portland Outhwaite Recreation Center (POC). During her free-time, Jeannette went to the movies or hung out with her cousins and her friend Andrea Williams of nearly 70 years.

Part of the 400+ Thompson cousin clan, Jeannette’s mother Minnie had 16 siblings and her father James had 7. Needless to say, there was always a party at 4435 Woodland Avenue. Jeannette loved her hundreds of cousins and they loved her.

Jeannette joined Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church on 55th and Lexington over 50+ years ago where she was an usher for the majority of those years. Jeannette also became the president of the Usher board where you would always see her guarding the doors of the church. She was a deaconess and often served at funerals. FMBC was her church home and she considered the church members a part of her family.

Jeannette began working at Ohio Bell immediately after graduating high school in 1970, with 32 total years of service. During her tenure there, Ohio Bell was called Ameritech, SBC, and AT&T. In addition to the numerous life-long friends including Beverly Suber, Jeannette also met the love of her life while working there.

Jeannette gave birth to her first daughter Jeannina in 1972. When she married the love of her life James at FMBC in 1976, Kenny and Kevin helped to blend the union. Jeannette then gave birth to Jennie to complete the Dobbins family. The Dobbins family then made their home in Bedford Heights in 1981, with all four children graduating from Bedford High School.

Jeannette graduated from Charmayne Beauty Academy and earned her cosmetology license. Along with her daughter Jeannina, she opened Simplicity Styling Salon nearly 30 years ago which brought her so much pride. She met many friends and “sons & daughters” in the shop as well as doing hair for clients. Mia Bridgeman gave her the title “Mother Jeannette”.

Additionally. Jeannette loved to travel with family and take her grandchildren on trips and outings. She was a lover of Ford Mustangs, Crocheting, The Whispers, couponing, watching I Love Lucy, Everybody Hates Chris, Friday, & Dirty Dancing, and shopping in Giant Eagle, Marc’s, Sam’s, and Macy’s. Jeannette also loved going out to eat and talking on the phone or in person to the people she loves.

After a brief illness, Jeannette joined our heavenly father on February 10th surrounded by family. Jeannette leaves behind her husband James Dobbins Jr. of nearly 50 years, her children Kenneth Dobbins Sr.(Andrea), Kevin Dobbins, Jeannina Anderson (George) and Jennie Leonard (Kennie). Her only Sister Janice “Footsie” Hudson, brothers James “Fuzzy” Williams Jr. (Denise), and Jeffrey “Wubby” Williams. Grandchildren Malia, Christopher “Bear”, & George Anderson, Kamden & Kamrie Leonard, and Kenneth (Morgan), Kevin (Madison) & Kila Dobbins. One great-grandson Kenneth Dobbins. Jeannette had multiple nieces and nephews with Geoffrey Williams and Marla Hudson preceding her in death. Jeannette also had hundreds of cousins and friends that she loved dearly.