Dorothy Lee Matthews was a loving mother, faithful sister, a fighter, champion cusser, a cook extraordinaire, self-proclaimed Jack-Of-All-Trades, and a teacher who demonstrated through word and deed the importance of loving our beautiful black selves.
Dorothy was born on February 6, 1932 to the late Clara Bell and Watt Haskins. She was the fourth of six surviving children, following after William “Thomas” Haskins, James “Jimmy” Haskins, and Mary “La-La” Lewis and coming before Ruth Haskins and Lorenzo Haskins, all of whom have preceded her in death. The consummate middle (girl) child, Dorothy loved attention, which she garnered with her spunky attitude, witty sense of humor, and her unfiltered tongue. She had a way with words, especially the four-letter variety, which she could string together in the most awe-inspiring ways, that could leave you in stitches, running for cover, or, if you were lucky enough to have her bestow a verbal lashing upon someone on your behalf, feeling as though you were the most cherished and protected person on the planet.
As a mother, there was nothing Dorothy would not do for her children and grandchildren—except . . . buy them white dolls. One of her pet peeves was seeing black children clutching white dolls. She was unapologetically black long before phrases like “melanated gods and goddesses,” “black girl magic,” and “black boy joy” came into vogue. She instilled in her offspring the importance of surrounding themselves with positive images of blackness that affirmed their humanity and their sense of self-worth.
Dorothy is predeceased by her husband, Henry A. Matthews. She leaves behind to cherish her memory four daughters—Dorothy “Dottie” Butts, Shelia Cooper, Rebecca “Bumpsy” Matthews, and Juanita “Nita” Knight; two bonus daughters—Mary Lee and Jane; nine grandchildren—Tracy, Keyisha, Dilesheya, Dominique, LaTasha, Tia, Marvin Jr., Antione, and Jalisa; three bonus grandsons—Anthony, Antonio, and Alexander; as well as a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
The Lord called Dorothy home on Thursday, August 22, 2019. Although she will be missed dearly, her family takes comfort in knowing that her earthly sufferings are no more and she is reunited with her husband, siblings, and parents.
Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done!
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Dilesheya Bonnet says
August 28, 2019 at 11:23 pmMy Loving grandma you will be truly missed…. Love you always R.I.H❤️
Crysta Haggins says
August 31, 2019 at 10:13 amRIP Ms Dorothy. You were a wonderful women and mother.. May God love on you during this transition.
Teresa Jones says
August 29, 2019 at 12:04 pmAunt Dorothy Lee is gone but will not be forgotten. She is the last of the Haskins siblings. My heart is sadden but I rejoice thinking about the reunion going on in heaven.
Glen & Lynne James Jr says
August 29, 2019 at 8:21 pmThe Lord’s army has another soldier. It is with great joy to know I will see her in the glory of God in heaven.
yOlanda Matthews says
August 30, 2019 at 11:34 amHello…. Sending prayers of comfort. Im sitting here reading Ms Dot obituary…all teary eyed. Your mother was a blessing to me and Ke…i dont know what I would have done without her those uears she kept Kenisha….
She was a beaitiful person. I cracked up reading about the white dolls…! Lol. A true black mother…lol. I know I wasnt around much…but to k iw when I did see her she always welcomed me with so much love… Her smile made me feel welcomed. I am going to fix me a pot of Yok…just like she use to fix it…everything thrown in the pot together…lol. I love her… I love you all…. I will see you all tonight…. ❤
I will have sliced tomatoes too….thats what your mom would fix for your dad… So many memories…. Lord i cant work for crying…. Thank you for sharing your mom with me growing up….! ❤