Dorothy Evelyn Moorehead

Dorothy Evelyn Moorehead was born in 1934 in Plainfield, New Jersey, to Anna and John Jones. The fifth of eleven children, Dorothy cherished her childhood and family life and often shared fond memories of the camaraderie, rituals, games and mischief shared with her siblings.

Dorothy excelled academically and was a gifted and diligent student who developed a lifelong passion for reading. Anyone who has discussed books with Dorothy will remember how she was willing to commit to even the worst book until she had reached its end. As she used to tell it, growing up she simply started at 'A' when directed to select books from the library. Regardless of the book, she was determined to finish reading it.

Leaving New Jersey to attend Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Ohio was a bold move at the time that set the course of her life. At college, early curiosity about science and medicine evolved into a focus on sociology that would inform her career and future interests. At school she was lucky enough to build lifelong friendships. It was also at BGSU that Dorothy met her future husband and love of her life, Herbert Moorehead, Jr.

Dorothy and "Herb" embraced campus life, attending football games and homecoming, and developing deep ties to BGSU. These connections would last for decades, with Herb later serving as a trustee to the university, and Dorothy serving as President of the Friends Board for Libraries and Director on the Foundation Board. For her involvement and dedication Dorothy received a Distinguished Alumna award and a Special Appreciation Award for service to the alumni board.

After graduation, Dorothy and Herbert married and settled in Cleveland, Ohio where Dorothy began a career in public service at the Cuyahoga County Welfare Department. This was followed by caseworker and supervisory roles in the Department of Social Services, the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Bureau of Census in Dayton, Ohio, for which she received a Special Commendation award.

While she found her calling to help others through this work and enjoyed her colleagues, Dorothy laughed recalling a supervisor's assessment that she was "too well-dressed to be a social worker"-a notion she would gleefully agree with in later years.

Following the birth of her first child, Dorothy retired from public service to become a full-time mother to Tracee (Tyler) and to Terrence, who arrived three years later. Dorothy was a natural teacher and caretaker able to thrive organizing themed parties and supporting ambitious approaches to school work, without losing her own identity.

Meanwhile, Herb's rapid ascendancy within AT&T often meant he was required to relocate the family in order to take up the new promotions he relished. Dorothy became adept at making new homes, forging new friendships and building support networks in each new city where they lived. Together, she and Herb thrived and she welcomed the opportunities that relocation presented.

Dorothy's sharp intellect and keen powers of observation made her a witty conversationalist and sought after friend wherever she went. These abilities also gave her an exacting eye for grammar, tone and accuracy in matters of writing and organization.

Dorothy wrote and edited with precision, and brought these skills to bear on everything she did. Whether as a member, chairperson, organizer, secretary or officer of the several organizations she belonged to including, The Sophisticates, Inc, For Women Only, CARATS, Inc. or the AKA sorority.

Dorothy was honored to work with her friend and author, Roberta S. Wright, on editing two published non-fiction titles. Dorothy herself was an avid story and joke teller who created children's characters for her 'Particular Pig' stories, as well as a series of newsletters after Herb's death that she called 'Dorothy's Doin It'. She loved to laugh and 'pull your leg' with intricate stories that drew you in until the inevitable gag was landed. Never one to seek the limelight, she actively encouraged others to share jokes and stories, delighting in their retelling.

Though generous of spirit, Dorothy was a natural competitor. She was formidable at Bridge, Bid Whist, yard games, kids games and was especially tough to beat at Scrabble. Her competitive spirit extended to athletic sports, particularly bowling and golf. In Ohio during the late 70s and early 80s, Dorothy was a star winning numerous prizes and trophies in her bowling league.

A new chapter began when Dorothy moved to Detroit, Michigan following another of Herbert's AT&T promotions. With the kids out of college and working in New York City, this move to a new city in a new state was an adjustment.

Settling in to the historic Palmer Woods area of Detroit, Dorothy made links with members of her national organizations and she and Herb quickly found like-minded friends.

Enjoying the space and elegance of a home without young people, Dorothy and Herb set about hosting dinners and events for family and friends, including elaborate Memorial Day weekend celebrations with the Moorehead side of the family.

Dorothy designed these highly anticipated weekends from invitations and menus, to costumes, events and competitions. In Dorothy's hands, even simple games of croquet or badminton became significant competitive events, with prizes and medals befitting an Olympic achievement. Somehow she managed to develop a slate of activities to surprise and delight everyone- from the oldest to the youngest family members - keeping them laughing and engaged along with visiting partners who sometimes did not quite know what to make of proceedings.

As someone who had never been part of the tennis or golf set in her friendship groups and did not play either game, Dorothy was somewhat bemused when Herb announced they would make up two of a golf foursome playing with his then boss and his boss's wife.

Despite having not played before, a few coaching pep talks from Herb helped her pick up the basic rules, swing and techniques needed to avoid complete embarrassment on the day. Little did she know this stressful event would kick off a lifelong love of a sport she continued to enjoy and play long after Herb passed away, into her late 80s.

As a member of the Par Gals golf association in the Greater Detroit area, Dorothy made many friends, enjoyed competition, lunch, annual parties and companionship. She loved visiting new golf clubs and seeing the landscaping and course layouts. She was proud to be part of a group of competent African-American female golfers who could hold their own on the area's courses and were well-versed in the rules and etiquette of the game.

Dorothy's enthusiasm for playing was matched by her devotion to following professional golf, especially the career of Tiger Woods. She attended several golf majors, watched nearly every tournament on TV and was known to remind callers 'I asked you not to call me when Tiger is playing'. After Herb's death, Dorothy continued to nurture her love of golf, and built up an impressive collection of high quality golf equipment, golf memorabilia and Par Gal-branded items.

In addition to her interests in sports, Dorothy was committed to culture and community. Part of her immersion in the Greater Detroit community was membership and support of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, at that time the largest in the world. Dorothy delighted in seeing new exhibits and was a dedicated member of the Women's Committee. She was also a member of the Detroit Opera Board and a proud and devoted member of the Omega Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA).

During her 25 years as a soror, Dorothy found comfort and kinship within the organization, especially through her work on the Love Committee. Whether sending cards, flowers, and gifts, or visiting a soror, Dorothy enjoyed offering encouragement to those facing illness, bereavement, or loneliness, as well as sharing joy with those celebrating happy occasions. She took special pleasure in working with her fellow committee members, choosing cards and writing thoughtful messages.

Dorothy was a woman of immense curiosity and courage and a lifelong learner. As both Tyler and Terrence expanded their horizons and moved abroad, Dorothy embraced the opportunity to explore the world.

She visited her children in England, Montreal, Italy, and Japan, holidaying with Tyler in Scotland, France, Spain and Portugal and joining Terrence and Frances on travels across Japan, as well as to Australia, Malaysia, and further afield. She relished the opportunity to experience diverse cultures firsthand and particularly loved her extended periods staying in Tokyo with Terrence and Frances, immersed in the routines of daily life, trying new food and experiences across the country.

Dorothy kept journals and scrapbooks chronicling her travels, practiced learning and writing Japanese characters (naturally her favourite letter was 'D' ). Her journals captured her reflections, but also her questions about different ways of navigating a life.

Through travel, Dorothy expanded her perspective, as well as her ambition for seeing more of the world. During Covid, when travel was no longer an option, Dorothy's interest in other cultures and increased time alone led her to an unexpected discovery of Bollywood films and Indian culture. She became an aficionado of the genre, following the career of her new favorite actor, Shah Rukh Khan.

Through films she grew more knowledgeable about Indian history, culture, politics and society. She often enjoined reluctant family members to watch scenes from her favorite films. Once she'd seen every Bollywood film available online, she branched out to discover Indian soaps, Pakistani films, and Turkish dramas-always making notes and observations about the different ways that people in other cultures lived.

In 2024, approaching the age of 90, Dorothy was proud to renew her license and mark 65 years with an excellent driving record. She was able to celebrate a joyful 90th birthday weekend in downtown Detroit with family and friends. She even managed a few minutes to stand up and shake to the live music.

Though slowing down socially and retired from playing golf, Dorothy continued to enjoy reading, chatting with friends and independent living. However, declining mobility and brief stays in hospital and rehab eventually made the decision to move closer to family more urgent.

In December 2024, Dorothy relocated to the State of Utah and quickly adapted to her new apartment within an Assisted Living facility near her son and daughter-in-law. With humor, curiosity and charm Dorothy was able to form bonds with fellow residents and staff, and make her way In a new community of complete unknowns in a culture very different from the one she had left behind in southern Michigan. She appreciated the mix of independence and support and especially loved the freedom from cooking. She made the most of her new surroundings and was moved by the regular contacts from family, friends and sorors who continued to call, text and write even when their messages were not returned.

Despite facing weakness and fatigue in her final months and weeks, Dorothy's humor and wry observations remained intact. She spent the hot, sunny days in the courtyard with her children, enjoyed visits from her nieces and goddaughter, dined out, and was even able to celebrate one more birthday at her favorite Utah restaurant, Sundance.

Dorothy died peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Among her writings was a note to be shared with friends and family:

"Do not be sad or mourn my absence, when you think of me I want you to remember the laughs, the jokes and the many good times we shared"

Quoting a well-known song to sum up her life she said:

"I've had the time of my life and I owe it all to you."

For many years Dorothy had wanted a cremation without a service and the family has honoured her wishes.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Tracee Tyler (Malcolm), her son, Terrence, her daughter-in-law Frances, her sisters Phyllis Robinson, Anna Jeanette Brazil, and Shirley Tate, her brother Donald Jones, her sister-in-law Patricia Jones, her many nieces and nephews including, Bilal Nasir, Karen Jones, Butch Robinson, Leslie Robinson, Druscilla Jones, Adrienne Jones, Sharon Jones Casey, Gregory Jones, Rodney Jones, Shelly Jones, Sean D Jones, Kyle D Jones, Antony Tate, Donna Brazil, Brian Brazil, their children and grandchildren, Moorehead family nieces Lisa Moorehead (Michael), Kitra Moorehead (Barry), Maria Moore and her children, Rachel Ruth Roettger, (Drake), PJ Moore, goddaughter Chanda Steve (Mike), and 'adopted family' members Stan and Connie Brue, Debi Tinsley and the many young people Dorothy cherished as friends.