Dorothy H. Wilkins

Dorothy Theresa Hawkins Wilkins, daughter of the late Charles and Olivia Hawkins was born in Baltimore, Maryland on July 24, 1921. She quietly departed this life on Saturday, September 11, 2004.Dorothy attended St. Peter Claver School and graduated from St. Frances Academy High School.Her working career began at the Empire Laundry on Carey Street where she gained experiences as a packer. Later she was employed at Glenn L. Martin, the C & P Telephone Company on Division Street and finally at Verizon where she retired in 1981 after 41 years of combined service. In 1949 she met and married her believed husband, Leroy. There were no children from this blissful union which lasted 54 years. However, they were devoted to nurturing their nieces and nephews. Dorothy and Leroy loved to travel and traveled extensively throughout the world. They flew to various countries such as Mexico, Monte Carlo, France and North Africa, sailed on numerous cruised and toured many Islands in the Caribbean. Dorothy was an avid Pinochle player and enjoyed socializing with her Les Dix Amies Club members.A devout Catholic, Dorothy practiced her religion faithfully. She was a member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church and later transferred her member ship to St. Cecilia Catholic Church. As a member of St. Cecilia Church she actively participated in the Ladies Guild, served as a Lector and traveled with Sara Epperson as Eucharistic Minister visiting the sick and shut-in to give communion. In 2004, Dorothy was awarded the Black Hero Award from the church for her faithfulness to God and the church community.Dorothy joined Naomi Grand Chapter of the M.W. Hiram Grand Lodge A.F. & AM and became a dedicated member for over 30 years. Her affiliations in this organization included: Carrie Saunders Council No.1, Ladies of Knight Templars, Mattie C. Heath Court #3 Heroines of Jericho, Queen of Sheba Court No. 2 Ancient Arabic Order Daughter of Sphinx and M Louise Burks College #1 Rose of Seven Seals.Dorothy also served as Worthy Matron of Mt. Zion Star Chapter #16 and Royal Matron of Estelle Taylor Court No.2.Dorothy lived a full, rich and fruitful life. She will be remembered for her pleasant smile, soft voice, wink of the eye, even temper, lavish compliments and charismatic personality.The life, love and memories of Dorothy will be cherished by her devoted, beloved husband Leroy; sister-in-law Gloria Ringgold; host of nieces, nephews, cousins; devoted friends James and Lillian Cornish; and the many friends who shared those special times and found happiness in knowing her.

Tributes

Dorothy H. Wilkins

July 24, 1921 - September 11, 2004