Dorothy E. Turner Williams

DOROTHY ELIZABETH TURNER-WILLIAMS was born on May 22, 1937, to the late Alonzo and Iola Mae Jewell. She was the youngest of nine children. Mastering the art of shopping by age 5, she would place clothing on hold knowing that her older siblings would purchase them on payday.

Dorothy received her early education in the Thomasville North Carolina Public School System. Shortly after her relocation to Maryland, she married Willis Turner who preceded her in death. Having accepted God at an early age, she was a member of the Saint James Free Baptist Church at the time of her sunset. Throughout her entire life, Dorothy was committed to serving God through her musical talents. She was a faithful church organist and choir director for many churches, always pushing for perfect harmony. In addition to serving as one of the original in-house musicians for March Funeral Homes, she was a member of the Morgan State Choir and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Choir. Even while working tirelessly, she ensured that her children received exposure to the arts, travel and fine dining.

Dorothy returned to school and received her Associate's of Arts Degree in Music and Music Education in 1977. In 1981, she was awarded a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Baltimore. She later received a Master's Degree in Special Education from Coppin State University. Dorothy expertly handled motherhood, pursuing her education and teaching simultaneously. Her students from Roland Park, Leith Walk and Walter P. Carter, along with their parents were frequent visitors to her home.

Whether at work, church or in the community, friends and family remember 'Dot' for her fashion, her love of shoes and purses. For every outfit, there was the perfect pocketbook, complementary shoes and for church, the Hat! And because of her loving spirit, many called her their pretend aunt, second mother or grandmother. Her quiet assurance and quick wit could cause you to laugh in the toughest times.

On June 28, 1996, she married James Williams. Their 19 years marriage was full of love, laughter, outings with the grandchildren and huge family dinners.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her life and memory: her loving husband, James: her devoted children: Tammy, Eric and Rodney(Patrena) Turner; her grandchildren: Eric Turner Jr., Jonathan Nash, Asheia Turner, Davon Turner, JeLisa Turner, Erica Turner, Shania Turner, Tresure Turner and Pejah Turner; her great grandchildren; her sister, Corine Austin; and a host of relatives and friends.