Dona Dorsey

DONA MCCLELLAN DORSEY, “DONNIE” to family and friends was born the youngest of five children to Willie and Gertrude McClellan on August 25, 1921 in Calhoun County, Florida. She departed this life peacefully on February 8, 2011 at the age of eighty-nine due to natural causes. Her parents and brothers Woodrow, Herman, Booker T. and Clayton McClellan all preceded her in death. While still living in Florida, Donnie married Henry Bryant in River Junction, Florida. Although ending in divorce, two children were born from this union; Robert A. Bryant, Sr. and Elizabeth Bryant, Thomas, of Daytona Beach and Chattahoochee, Florida, respectively. Both Robert and Elizabeth preceded Donnie in death. Looking for better opportunities, during the 1940’s Donnie relocated to Baltimore, Maryland. It was there she met and married the love of her life, William E. Dorsey. Donnie and William forged a union that last more than forty years. During the final years of William’ life, Donnie proved to be a devoted wife, taking excellent care of William up until the time of his death in 1990. Both Donnie and William were devoted members of Unity United Methodist Church. Donnie served on the Usher Board and assisted with the Soup Kitchen and Clothing Closet until her health would not allow her to do so. Donnie had several jobs while living in Baltimore; working in some of Baltimore’s finest clothing stores. In 1966 she retired from the Baltimore City School System after serving as a custodian at Rognel Heights Elementary School. Donnie loved to cook for friends and family and was quite good at it. Her Pound Cake, Coconut Cake and Sweet Potato Pie were unmatched. She took great pride in keeping things neat and clean, especially herself, and did not mind advising people to do the same. As a young and middle-aged woman she exercised on a regular basis and prepared her foods in a healthy manner long before it was popular to do so. Without a doubt, Donnie’s passion was fashion. She was the original Fashion. She was the fashionista! Her eye and knack for choosing and coordinating clothing and accessories made her one of the best dressed ladies in Baltimore. The fact that some clothing stores in Baltimore were segregated did not deter her from keeping up with the latest quality styles. She circumvented this situation by catalog ordering from some of the finest clothes in the county. While at times opinionated and strong-willed, Donnie was a very generous and understanding person. She helped many, many people along the way, both by words of encouragement and acts of generosity. Donnie will be missed by all who truly knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory: three grandsons, Ernie Thomas of Chattahoochee, Florida and Robert Bryant, Jr. and Anthony Bryant, both of Daytona Beach, Florida; two granddaughters, Sandy Bryant and Brandi Bryant both of Daytona Beach, Florida; a devoted goddaughter, Rosalind Lawrence (Stanley); and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, additional family and friends.

Tributes

Dona Dorsey

August 25, 1921 - February 8, 2011