Dorothy Scott Buskey

Dorothy’s Life Journey

Dorothy shall be remembered as our loving mother and grandmother, best friend and confidant.

Dorothy Scott Buskey passed away peacefully on February 12, 2020 in Jonesboro, Georgia. She was born on January 19, 1928 in Neeses, South Carolina to Ashbury E. Scott and Annie Louise Scott. She was the youngest of nine children; Swinton Carrie, Jesse, Pearl, Willie Mae, Vivian, Isabell and Annette, all of whom preceded her in death.

In April of 1949, while enrolled in college, Dorothy eloped to marry her high school sweetheart, Colonel Ulysses M. Buskey (Ret.) who also preceded her in death in 1998. Their marriage would span more than 49 years and to this union 4 daughters were born: Janice, Rosalind, Gwendolyn and Adrien. Dorothy received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina and was a member of the basketball team and homecoming court.

In 1956, Dorothy and Ulysses with their young family would establish residency in Mobile, Alabama. She was an educator in the Mobile County Public School System for over 25 years and a member of the Retired Teachers Association. The majority of her teaching career was spent at her beloved Bessie C. Fonvielle Elementary School, where she made such an impact on her students that their love, admiration, and respect for her would cultivate relationships which continued long after their departure.

Dorothy was a loving, kind, fun and warm mother with a special sweet “no nonsense” parenting style. She was always a motivator and self-starter who believed if no one will do it for you, “You’d better get started doing it for yourself.” Her favorite saying was “Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today”.

When local restaurants in Mobile were embarking upon desegregation, she was one of the first African Americans to bravely and proudly take all four of her daughters to eat at the Woolworth’s lunch counter. They were all “dressed to the nines”. It was a trailblazing experience that her daughters would learn to model throughout their lives for strength and resiliency.

She was a faithful member of State Street AME Zion Church for over 60 years and participated in the Gospel Choir, Cathedral Choir, Stewardess Board, Missionaries, Life Member Council, Pulpit and Alter Guild, and Vacation Bible School. Her favorite hymns were “His Eye is On the Sparrow”, “Pass Me Not Oh Gentle Savior” and “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder”, which was also her mother’s favorite song. She would often sing or hum these tunes while making one of her fabulous meals.

Dorothy had many loves: God, family, church, supporting the elderly, teaching, decorating, baking, gardening, flowers, shopping, and of course, Mardi Gras which was her favorite time of year! She was also quite the fashionista who took great pride in keeping abreast of all the latest fashion trends. Dorothy was also known for her delicious pound cake, sweet potato pie, and fruitcake.

Dorothy leaves to celebrate and cherish her life and memory, her loving daughters, Janice (Aaron) Cunningham of Mobile, Alabama, Rosalind (Lawrence) Haralson of Jonesboro, Georgia, Gwendolyn (John) Flowers of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and Adrien (Christopher) McDavid of Dallas, Texas; five grandchildren, Aaron, Ethan, Ryan, Megan and Cooper; brother-in-law, Philip Middleton; sisters-in-law, Mary (Howard) Freeney, Marion (Robert) Sullins, Thelma Davis, Alberta Buskey and Geraldine Cannon; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends.

“…be thou faithful until death, and I will give thee a crown of life” Revelations 2:10