Albert E. Dotson Sr.

1938 - 2021

Albert E. Dotson, Sr.
May 2, 1938 - May 29, 2021
Miami, Florida - Albert E. Dotson, Sr., passed away peacefully on May 29, 2021 at the age of 83. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a revered businessman, and a passionate member of the South Florida community.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1938, Albert was raised by his mother, Alberta. At 12 years old, Alberta married Fred Rowland and they both instilled in him the values of respect and hard work. The family eventually moved to the Detroit area living in Hamtramck, where he received his public school education.
Soon after, Albert met his future wife, Earlene, while attending church. The couple wed in 1959 and remained married for 62 years. They were blessed with five children and 13 grandchildren.
Albert gradually worked his way up at Sears Roebuck and Company, starting as a stock person and eventually becoming the corporation's first African American store manager, holding positions in Detroit, Chicago, and Atlanta prior to relocating to Miami with Sears in 1976.
Following three decades with Sears, Albert and Earlene launched several businesses of their own.
After retiring from business and seeing all five of their children through College, Albert and Earlene went back to school to complete their undergraduate degrees. Albert went on to earn a Ph.D in Philosophy in 2004.
Albert was an engaged member of the local community throughout his 45 years in Miami, abiding by the scripture, "To whom much is given, much is required."
He focused much of his civic service on advancing higher education in the South Florida region. He was appointed by former Governor Jeb Bush to join the Florida International University Board of Trustees, and served as the school's Chair from 2009-2011 and was named Chair Emeritus. As Chair, Albert was instrumental in the founding of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, as well as the FIU College of Law. In 2018, the University's International Pavilion was renamed the Earlene and Albert Dotson Pavilion in the couple's honor. On June 5th, Florida Memorial University will honor Earlene and Albert Dotson by naming their Student Services Center after the two of them.
Albert joined the Orange Bowl Committee in 1989 and was elected as the Committee's first African American president in 1998. He served on the Boards of Trustees for Barry University, Florida Memorial University, United Way of Miami-Dade, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the Miami Urban League, Salvation Army, AvMed, SantaFe Healthcare, and Baptist Health South Florida. He was president of the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition from 1996 to 1998, and is a Life Member of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc., and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, for which he served as Vice President of the Miami Chapter.
He was the recipient of many honors, awards, and honorary degrees, including the MCCJ Silver Medallion Award, Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Service Award, featured cover story in Black Family Magazine, and United Way's Family Philanthropy Generations Award. In 2020, Baptist Health South Florida unveiled the Earlene and Albert Dotson Registration area at its Kendall campus.
Albert and Earlene have been faithful members of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church. Albert served as a Deacon and taught Sunday school classes for married couples in partnership with Earlene.
Preceding him in death are his parents Alberta and Fred Rowland, and his son-in-law Richard P. Hall. Albert is survived by his wife Earlene, sons Albert Jr (Gail Ash) and Jonathan, daughters Dr. Toya Greene (Jeff), LaTéssa Hall, Christa Dean (Fred), 13 grandchildren Ashley and Albert III, Charmaine, Solomon, Joel, Christen, Grace, and Emmanuel Greene, Bryant and Briana Hall, and VerShona, Parmie, and Alexis Dean, and a host of nieces and nephews, including Cherron Rowland and Jamille Edwards.
Funeral arrangements
Viewing and Wake:
June 9, 2021 at 6:00pm.
Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church
10701 SW 184th Street
Miami Florida 33157
Homegoing Celebration:
June 10, 2021 at 11:00am
Florida International University
11200 SW 8th Street
Miami Florida 33199
For more information visit www.DotsonDifference.com
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donation to:
Florida International University Foundation, Inc.
"Earlene and Albert Dotson Scholarship Fund"
Attention FIU Foundation, MARC515
Miami FL 33199
www.give.fiu.edu
Florida Memorial University
"Earlene and Albert Dotson First Generation Student Scholarship" Attention Advancement Office
15800 N.W. 42nd Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
www.fmuniv.edu/ways-to-give
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