Sarah Dotson

Sarah Diane Dotson, age 76, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Sarah was a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
Born on September 22, 1948, in Lake Charles, La. She was a beloved daughter of Alfred A. Smith and Earlie Vee Thomas Shepherd. Sarah was the fifth of her mother's 11 children. She graduated from W.O. Boston High School. During her adult life, she pursued her education at McNeese University, in Lake Charles, La. and later upon relocating to New Jersey in 1980, she attended Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ where she cultivated a lifelong passion for learning and culinary baking. Throughout her life, she held several positions including a Government Secretary at Walson Army Military Hospital in Fort Dix, NJ and a Clerk at Princeton University Firestone Library in Princeton NJ. Sarah returned to Lake Charles in 2003 and remained until her death.
A talented baker, Sarah delighted in sharing her creations with family and friends, making gatherings special. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her children and grandchildren, creating memories filled with laughter and love.
She also found peace and inspiration in reading and writing, filling her journals with reflections, prayers and stories that captured the essence of her life.
Sarah's spirit and generous heart will be forever remembered by her family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories that will endure in the hearts of those who loved her.
Sarah was married to Edwin Roy Dotson and from this union three children were born. She is predeceased, in death, by both parents; two sisters: Phyllis Shepherd and Patricia Shepherd; three brothers: Everett Shepherd, Claude Liggins, and Alfred Thomas. Sarah leaves to cherish her memories, her three children: Stacy Dotson Ceruti (New Jersey), Edwina Dotson Phox (New Jersey) and Edwin Dotson, Jr. (Texas); four grandchildren: Theodore Ceruti, Jr., Asha Phox, Bashaun Phox and Jabria Harrington; three great grandchildren: Theodore Ceruti III, Terrell Ceruti and Tianna Ceruti; three sisters: Josalyn Thomas (California), Gwendolyn Jones (La.) and Pamela Weber (Texas); two brothers: Steve Thomas (California) and David Thomas (Virginia); and a very special friend, Melvin Dartez (La.).
Her visitation will Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 5:30PM with her funeral following at 7PM, at James Funeral Home, 1801 Moeling Street in Lake Charles.