Dorothy Elizabeth Florence

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Dorothy Elizabeth Hyatt Florence aka "Dot," leaves a legacy of love, joy, kindness, compassion, strength, fearlessness, and unwavering faith. Her warm and infectious personality left a lasting impression on those she loved.
Dorothy Elizabeth Hyatt Florence was one of nine children, born on December 15, 1939, to the late Abron and Queen Etta Hyatt in Birmingham Alabama.
Dorothy was ambitious, tenacious, and at an early age, an entrepreneur. She learned various skills including digging bait and crocheting. She would earn money by crocheting scarves, washing and ironing clothes for neighbors, and selling her bait to local fishermen. She was known as "Dot the Bait Digger."
Dorothy attended Riley Elementary and Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama. Upon graduation she relocated to Chicago, Illinois, to further her education at Cortez Business College. She later attended Chicago State University, where she received a B.S. in Management in 1976.
In 1963, Dorothy met the love of her life, Verbie Curtis Florence, in Chicago, Illinois, and they married on June 19, 1965. Dorothy and Verbie were married for 59 years. Dorothy and Verbie are proud parents of four children. Warren Hyatt (deceased), Patrice Florence-Walker, Lisa Florence-Ray, and Curtis Justin Florence.
Dorothy's family gatherings and cooking were legendary. Her delicious gumbo, collard greens, candied yams, red beans and rice, and smoked turkey would literally bring legions of fans from everywhere and is truly what dreams were made of.
Dorothy's early professional career included working as support staff at the University of Illinois in Chicago and office management in the real estate industry. She also worked for many years as a Supportive Services Case Worker for Cook County, Illinois, until she retired in 2007.
Dorothy's commitment to helping others was reflected by her work in various community service organizations. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and The Links Incorporated. Dorothy was also an avid lover of tennis and golf.
On Monday, July 22, 2024, Dorothy Elizabeth Hyatt Florence, peacefully made her transition at home. She was surrounded by her loving husband, devoted family, and wonderful caregivers.
Dorothy's life and legacy has had an enormous impact on her family and loved ones. While her loss is immeasurable, her memory will last forever.
Dorothy is survived by her devoted husband: Verbie C. Florence of Poinciana, FL; Children: Patrice (Foris) Walker of Ocoee, FL, Lisa (Timothy) Florence-Ray of Chicago, IL, and Curtis Justin (Gloria) Florence of Bolingbrook, IL; Grandson, Camren Jamil Slavko Florence of Bolingbrook, IL; and Sister, Elzora DeJarnette of Selma, AL; Brothers, Charlie and Alfred preceded her in death as did her Sisters: Gussie, Hattie, Kathy, Ann, and Queen. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends to mourn her loss.