Dorothy Dolly Williams

1936 - 2024

DOROTHY DOLLY WILLIAMS

Sunrise, July 29, 1936 – Sunset, November 26, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy Dolly Williams on November 26, 2024. Dorothy passed away unexpectedly at the age of 88 in Bakersfield, California.

Dorothy was born on July 29, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Andy and Athina Andrews, both of whom immigrated to the United States in the early 1920's from Korce, Albania. Dorothy was a first generation American and an enormously proud Albanian. She strongly believed in Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Dorothy was raised with traditional old country beliefs and traditions and shared those beliefs with her children and family. Growing up in Cleveland, Dorothy cherished time with her family and friends, especially her three siblings: Arthur, Cecile, and Virginia.

After graduating from West Tech High School in 1955, Dorothy pursued her passion for the beauty industry, earning her cosmetology license. However, her lifes direction shifted when she met the love of her life and married Alan Williams in 1959. Within days after their wedding, Dorothy and Alan left Cleveland and moved to Bakersfield, California, where they raised their four sons: David, Doug, Danny, and Dean. Raising four boys, each only a little over one year difference in age, Dorothy and Al never missed a baseball game, football, wrestling, school event, or any of the boys' activities.

Dorothy worked for ConTel Corporation in Bakersfield for more than 26 years, retiring in 1990. Never one to stay idle, she embarked on another 20+ year career as an in-home daycare provider, lovingly caring for countless children who became an extended part of her family. Dorothy had a work ethic like no other and was never afraid to speak her mind.

Dorothy will be remembered for her infectious laugh, kind heart, and unconditional love for her family and friends. Known for her vibrant spirit, she loved dancing and cruising the streets of Bakersfield with her husband and friends. Her selfless nature left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alan Williams; her son, Dean Williams; her great-granddaughter, Elsie Elcano; and her parents, Andy and Athina Andrews.

Dorothy is survived by her sons: David Williams (Sue), Doug Williams (Lesly), and Danny Williams (Andrea); brother Arthur Andrews (Joan), sisters Cecile Nystrom and Virgina Panza, sisters-in-law Mary Lou Perry and Linda Zimmerer; her former daughter-in-law Lori McMinn; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, all who miss her dearly.

Dorothy's unwavering faith in Christ was the foundation of her life. While her family deeply grieves her absence, they take comfort in knowing she is now in the loving presence of our Heavenly Father. Dorothy lost her husband Alan in 1988. When teased about dating or finding a boyfriend, Mom unabashedly proclaimed "My man is waiting for me in Heaven" where they are now united.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 5-7 PM at Doughty Calhoun O'Meara, 1100 Truxtun Avenue. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at RiverLakes Community Church, 4301 Calloway Drive, followed by a burial at Hillcrest Memorial Park, with luncheon to follow at Luigi's.

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