Princella Jones-Dorsey

Memorial services for Princella Jones-Dorsey, 91, Tyler, are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Spring Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Rodney Hood officiating. Arrangements are under direction of Brooks-Sterling & Garrett Funeral Directors, Tyler.

Mrs. Princella Jones-Dorsey was born Nov. 15, 1919, in the Fairview Church community of Tyler to the late Tom and Texana Jones. Princella departed her earthly life to be with the Lord Jesus on March 26, 2011. She was married to Elder Bennie L. Dorsey, who preceded her in death in 1996.

She attended Dallas Wheatley public school and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School.

For a time period, she lived with family in Minneapolis, Minn., before moving to Chicago, Ill., after marrying her husband Bennie Dorsey. Due to World War II and the nation's need for medical workers, she became interested in the nursing occupation. While in Chicago, she received her nursing license from the state of Illinois and became a private duty nurse. She took care of many well-known Chicago residents.

In 1967, the Lord led Bennie and Princella to move back home to Tyler. They moved into the Spring Creek community in the year 1968. She graduated in 1970 with top honors. She became nursing home administrator for the Melrose Nursing Home in Tyler. In September of 1970, she became the Administration and Staff Nurse of the Year for the entire state of Texas.

Mother Dorsey served in many positions at Bethel Temple. She was president of the Bible Band, president of the Pastor's Aide Committee, the lead coordinator for the Pastor and Wife's Anniversary programs and president of the Chaplain and Nurses Unit for the East Texas State Jurisdiction.

On Feb. 5, 1998, the Tyler Morning Telegraph newspaper acknowledged Mother Dorsey for her great leadership during Black History Month at Briarcliff Village Health Center and Nursing Home.

In her younger days, she always stated that she loved to sing and was known as a great dancer. In her later years, she loved the church, gave good godly counsel, cooked, traveled and, most of all, she loved to go fishing! She would always say, "I love the life that God provided for me." Her two favorite Bible verses were, "I can do all things through Christ; that strengthens me," and, "I am with you always; I will never leave you nor forsake you!"

Mother Dorsey is survived by sons, Billy Ruth Jones of Tyler, and Michael Ray Dorsey of Washington, D.C.; daughter, Fayrene Dorsey Jones of Dallas; faithful daughter-in-law, Cavonne Jones of Tyler; 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of wonderful and very special nieces, nephews, family and friends.

The family extends special sincere thanks to her caretaker, Wynona Holly.