Dorothy Johnson

Dorothy Johnson’s incredible journey began on March 14, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio, as the second child and oldest daughter of John Dolman and Fannie Rivers. With poise, wisdom and unshakable strength, she graced this world with her indominable presence and spirit for over 78 years, carrying her light until August 26,2025.

Dorothy was a trailblazer and a woman of many firsts and even more triumphs. She carved her place in history as the first Black lady carpenter of Cleveland until a catastrophic accident with a lathe almost made her lose several fingers. She immediately realized that it was the math portion of Carpentry she loved, so she decided to go to college. This was not an easy decision, as she was divorced single mother of three children, on welfare, with no idea how to accomplish it but armed with a strong dedication to provide a better life for her children. In her thirties, she became the first in her family to graduate from college—a groundbreaking step that lit the path for generations to follow. She never stopped pursuing excellence, later earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and dedicating her gifts to teaching as a professor, mathematician and finally a Dean. Dorothy recognized that Math was being taught intentionally hard creating a “club” that only certain people could be a member of. She dedicated her life to helping others realize that math was for everyone and removing the veil of confusion that held back countless students from receiving their degrees.

Dorothy was an amazing mother who happily dedicated her life to her three children, Christopher E. Johnson, Nicole McKenney and Meredith Thomas. She was determined that they would have a better life and opportunities and ensured that they bonded together as a family. While she was the centerpiece, she always knew one day she would not be around to be the link that held them together, so she made it her life’s mission that they connect, despite her presence. She was stoic yet tender, wise yet humble, patient yet powerful. She encouraged others with gentle strength, and those who knew her felt her thoughtful consideration in every word and gesture. She loved to travel, go to the movies, and to read but it was among her family that she found her greatest joy, cherishing every moment spent with them.

Always a fighter she fought and survived breast cancer twice, a brain aneurysm, a failed liver biopsy where her liver was accidentally pierced as well as other life-threatening moments she always conquered until succumbing to her last battle with pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her cherished children and son in law, Robert McKenney, each of whom carries forward her legacy of love, wisdom, and resilience. As a grandmother, she nurtured the hearts of Shakila Garner, Justin McKenney, and Hailee Johnson, with her cherished values and indomitable spirit. Dorothy also embraced the title of great-grandmother to her great-grandson, Jay-Cean Garner. In addition to her immediate family, Dorothy shared a bond with her siblings, brother John Dolman, Jr., as well as the late Veronica Dolman, Carolyn Wade, and Jonathan Dolman. Dorothy’s kindness shone brightly in her roles as aunt and great-aunt to a host of nieces and nephews

Though Dorothy has departed from this life, her presence endures in every lesson she taught, every boundary she broke, every dream she inspired, and every life she touched. She was more than a mother, a professor, a carpenter, or a traveler—she was a force of wisdom, vision, and enduring grace. Her legacy thrives through the love she cultivated—a testament to a life well-lived. She will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will endure in the stories shared, the laughter echoed at family gatherings, and the quiet moments of reflection.

Family and friends are welcomed Saturday, September 6, 2025 beginning at 11 AM until time of service at 1 PM at Slone & Co. Life Celebration Center, 3556 West 130th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44111.