Dorothy Williams

Dorothy Williams

Dorothy Payne Williams, 78, gently transitioned to Heaven on December 11, 2016. She was born in Tallahassee, Florida, and spent many years in Jacksonville, FL. She was a 1956 graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University High School (FAMU). She matriculated to FAMU and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Library Science in 1960. In 1967, she completed her Masters of Library Science at Syracuse University and additional studies in Educational Leadership at FAMU and the University of North Florida (UNF.)

Dorothy's earlier service to education includes: Head Librarian/Media Specialist at Lincoln Memorial High School in Palmetto, Florida; James Weldon Johnson Junior High School, and William M. Raines High School, both in Jacksonville, Florida. Later, she became a one of the first chartered staff members at UNF, where she rose to become the Associate Director of Libraries. After leaving Jacksonville, she returned to Tallahassee, Florida to serve as the Director of University Publications at her beloved alma mater, FAMU. During her tenure at FAMU, she achieved the position of Vice President for University Relations and Public Affairs. One of her greatest honors during her FAMU tenure was being named the Assistant Corporate Secretary to FAMU's first Board of Trustees.

After her retirement from FAMU, she remained very active with Bethel A.M.E. Church, FAMU Boosters, FAMU Sports Hall of Fame, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and The Links, Incorporated. She held lifetime memberships in lifelong memberships in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, National Council of Negro Women, FAMU National Alumni Association, and the National Association for the Advancement Colored People.

She was the daughter of the late John and Mary Payne.

The Wake will be held Friday, December 16, 2016 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 501 W. Orange Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32310. During this time, the Alpha Kappa Alpha's Ivy Beyond the Wall ceremony will be held at 6:00 P.M, and The Links' Memorial Ceremony will be held at 6:30 P.M. Both events are open to the public. Dorothy's Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 11:00A.M., Bethel A.M.E. Church, with burial at Southside Cemetery.

Survivors include, son; Gerald H. Williams (Gail), daughter; Debra M. Chappell (Isaac, II), brothers; John A. Payne (Marge), Leverne F. Payne (Nellie); granddaughter, Dorothy Alexis Williams and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and very special friends that meant the world to her.