Dorothy Williams

In Loving Memory of Dorothy Bostic Williams
December 15, 1937 – March 23, 2025
On March 23, 2025, God called home one of His most faithful and humble servants, Dorothy Bostic Williams. A woman of grace, wisdom, and boundless love, Dorothy's life was a symphony of service, music, and education-a melody that will forever echo in the hearts of those she touched.
Born on December 15, 1937, in Florence, South Carolina, to Clifton and Laura Law Bostic, Dorothy was the beloved only daughter in a family of devoted and protective brothers. From an early age, she discovered the power of music, her extraordinary voice carrying both beauty and conviction. This passion inspired her at Holmes Elementary in Florence, where the choir sang marvelous works like Sanctus by Charles Gounod from The St. Cecilia Mass, and at Wilson High School, where she excelled both musically and academically.
Her interest in culture and music was also nurtured at St. Paul AME Church in Efffingham, South Carolina, where she was a soloist and participated in the Omega Talent Hunt. Her deep cultural foundation took her to Allen University, where she was awarded a vocal music scholarship. While at Allen, she graced the University Choir as a soloist, led the marching band as Head Majorette, pledged the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and was crowned both Miss Dickerson Theological Seminary and Miss Allen University of 1961.
Dorothy's passion for education was as profound as her love for music. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Allen University. She later received a Master's Degree from the University of Alabama, followed by advanced studies at Wayne State University, the Merrill-Palmer Institute, Antioch University, and Harvard University. Her dedication to learning was matched only by her commitment to shaping young minds, instilling in her students a love of knowledge and a belief in their boundless potential.
Her impact as an educator was immeasurable. In 1968 she was selected as a Fellow in the Leadership Development Program of the Ford Foundation, an honor that reflected her exceptional leadership and dedication. She was twice nominated for the Alabama State Teacher's Hall of Fame. She received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Service Award from the Delores Kohl Education Foundation, the 1994 State Teacher of the Year award in the Elementary Division of the Alabama Council on Economic Education, and the Outstanding Service Award from the Professional Educators of Tuscaloosa. She also represented the State of Alabama eight times at the National Delegates Assembly of the National Education Association.
Dorothy's life was defined by service. She dedicated herself to uplifting her community, earning the Woman Committed to Excellence Award from the Girl Scouts of America. A pillar of leadership, she was deeply involved in the Alabama Association of Women and Girl's Clubs, Inc., where she was honored as Historian Emerita. She was the organizer and first president of the Tuscaloosa Chapter of Jack and Jill of America and a charter member of the Tuscaloosa Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. After moving to Ohio, she continued her service with the Dayton Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, where she was recognized as a "Platinum Member" for her lifelong dedication. She also served on the Board of Community Relations for the city of Kettering, Ohio.
Dorothy's kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family and community were the hallmarks of her extraordinary life. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Dr. James Arthur Williams, and her brothers, Clifton and Chester. She leaves behind a legacy of love and excellence through her children, Angela, Melody, and James, her foster son, William (Bill), her grandson Salih, and her cherished nieces and nephews. Her surviving siblings are James and Augustus. Her surviving sisters-in-law are Jerlene and Margaret Bostic.
Dorothy Bostic Williams was a woman whose presence brought warmth, whose voice brought joy, and whose dedication to service uplifted all who knew her. Though she has departed from this world, her spirit will continue to inspire, and her melody will forever play in the hearts of those who loved her.
A celebration of her remarkable life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Greater St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 4810 Francis Marion Road, Effingham, South Carolina 29644.
May her song never end, and may her legacy live on in the countless lives she has touched.
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