Mary Dorothy Kesiah Bennett de Wattley transitioned to eternal life while at home on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from end-stage heart failure. She was born in the city of Colón, Panama, to the late David Benjamin Dougal Bennett and Repersia Forte on March 8, 1928. Both of her parents were immigrants from the island of Jamaica who came to Panama to work on the construction of the Panamá Canal. Dorothy’s father was a skilled carpenter, and her mother worked in laundry services.
Dorothy was a precocious student who graduated from La Boca Normal School as a teacher at the age of 17. Her father passed away during her senior year while she was living away from home, studying to become a teacher. Dorothy was a ‘daddy’s girl,’ which made the loss more difficult. She accepted her first professional assignment as a second-grade teacher at the age of 18. She loved her job and adored the children she taught.
Dorothy met Ernest Wattley through her friendship with his youngest sister, Clara, a peer teacher who taught in the same school system. Ernest and Dorothy married in 1956, and this union blessed them with four children: Ofelia, David, Jonathan, and Catherine.
Dorothy loved education, poetry, teaching, and singing in her high school glee club. Throughout her teaching career, she worked for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in the U.S. Southern Command in Panama. Parenting as her children grew older, she began taking one or two courses per semester, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in education with honors from the University of Panama in 1972.
Dorothy did all this while raising her children in a home where everyone came to play, have fun, and eat her delicious food. Birthday parties were always boisterous and entertaining. Upon retirement in 1983, she dedicated herself to many church ministries, including the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Saint John, Eucharistic ministers, the Legion of Mary, and the Soup Kitchen. She was a teacher in the Literacy program, which was dedicated to visiting local orphanages to ensure that children were reading at grade level. She also belonged to the Third Order of the International Sisters of Mercy as a lay member.
Dorothy survived a massive stroke in 2000 and came to Norfolk, Virginia, to recover. She lived the remainder of her life in the United States. She joined the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception 25 years ago. She was a loyal member and avid participant in the St. Mary’s Prayer Group, the Pastoral Care Team, the Telephone Ministry, and the Small Faith Sharing Group Ministry.
Dorothy loved to read and write. She was excellent with words. Until the end, when her vision, hearing, and fine motor skills deteriorated to the point where she could no longer write, her granddaughter Amy and one of her caretakers, Helyn Nixon, served as her scribes. She continued to send lovely notes with beautifully worded sentiments to members of the parish and people worldwide. Many family members and friends may still have treasured notes from “Mom Wattley,” affectionately known to them.
“Mom Wattley” was issued a ban from the Department of Homeland Security in 2012 when she left the United States while working to correct her immigration status. Thanks to the intervention of Senator Mark Warner and the tireless effort of the St. Mary’s faith community and all who supported her, she was able to return to Norfolk.
She was an attentive listener who knew how to make the speaker feel valued, appreciated and heard while also affirming and encouraging them. She also learned how to keep a secret. Personal stories were safe with her. With a calm and accepting attitude, she was there whenever someone needed to share. It never seemed to matter how much time you needed to say it or how many times you had to repeat it; she would listen. If you were open to advice or guidance, you would always receive wise words that could change your life.
“Mom Wattley” was always taking care of others, from sending small donations to seemingly every charity that solicited donations to sending significant monthly support to people in need on a long-term basis.
“Mom Wattley” would take care of the needs she became aware of without hesitation. She never walked away or looked the other way. If shoes, a dress, or supplies were needed, especially by children, she found a way to provide those items.
Her husband, Ernest, passed away on June 18, 2016. Her four children survive “Mom Wattley”: Ofelia Wattley, David Wattley (Roma), Jonathan Wattley, and Catherine Wattley Gooding (Norman). Lovingly, she also leaves to cherish her memory grandchildren: David Wattley Jr., Kesiah Wattley (Nicol), Emilia Wattley, William Wattley, Catherine Wattley, Samuel Hunt (Aisha), Amy Gooding, and a great-grandson, Kabir Hunt.
Mom Wattley would wish to continue to give to her church as a member of the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception’s faith community. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in memory of her. https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZHA8/home
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Preslaysa Williams says
June 14, 2025 at 5:08 pmThe Williams family sends our deepest condolences on the passing of Dorothy B. Wattley. -Daren, Preslaysa, Samuel, and Hannah
Jeannette & Ruthwin Samuels says
June 14, 2025 at 10:34 pmCondolences to my cousins David Ofelia,Kathy,Johnathan,and grandchildren and family of Dorothy Bennett Wattley , a devoted wife, mother,teacher,and friend who inspired everyone she engaged with to be a good and caring person.Dorothy will be missed and forever live on in our hearts. Rest in peace Lady DBW.Eternal love Jeannette,Ruthwin, Michael,Stacie and their family.
David G Wattley Sr. says
June 17, 2025 at 12:27 pmThank you
David G. Wattley Sr. says
June 17, 2025 at 12:31 pmThank you
Jose Martín Valencia Taymes says
June 14, 2025 at 9:37 pmMi más sentido pésame. Dios la bendiga siempre.
David Wattley says
June 17, 2025 at 12:32 pmGracias
Lorretta Renee Murrell says
June 18, 2025 at 9:08 pmTony and Lorretta sends our deepest condolences to you and your family. May my arms reach for a huge loving hug
Ines Christian says
June 17, 2025 at 11:40 am“May your mother’s memory be a blessing. I hope you find comfort in the love she gave and the legacy she leaves behind.”
David G. Wattley Sr. says
June 17, 2025 at 12:30 pmThank you Ines
Patricia Curtis-Lique says
June 22, 2025 at 8:31 pmIt was truly an honor to have known Mrs. Wattley. I will never forget our doctor appointment. She will forever be in my heart.
Patricia Curtis-Lique says
June 22, 2025 at 8:34 pmIt was truly an honor to have known Mrs. Wattley. I will never forget our doctor appointment. She will forever be in my heart.
Patricia
Javier Chérigo Hurtado says
June 17, 2025 at 12:05 pm“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” 1 Thessalonias 4:14 KJV
David G Wattley Sr. says
June 17, 2025 at 12:26 pmThank you Javier
Ana de Dixon says
June 17, 2025 at 12:36 pmAlberto y Ana Dixon y familia nos unimos en amor a la familia Wattley por el descanso de mamá Dorothy.
Reciban nuestro amor y oraciones en estos momentos!!
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