Dorothy Pratt

DOROTHY PRATT was born on December 6, 1919 to William Savage and Mary Betterman. She received her childhood and adult instruction under the guidance of Lillian and Braxton Taylor. From an early age she was a caring and protective "big sister" to her sister and brothers, although she was a little short of five feet tall. Ecclesiastes 3 affirms that "to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven." And for 86 years Dorothy thanked God for her time and stood tall when it came to meeting the changes ever present in one's life. Her religious training began at an early age at Morning Star Baptist Church. She prayed for the safe return of her brothers from the Army, was like a second mother to her nieces and nephews throughout all of their lives, and the lives of their children and the lives of their children's children. She was a devoted niece to her Aunt Floretta Savage Brooks and wonderful help mate to her husband of over twenty years, Thomas Pratt. Dorothy completed the tenth grade at Douglass High School in Baltimore City. She enjoyed her school days and made close friends. As a young woman she liked to do math, cook, bake, listen to music, do needle point, crocheting dolls and spreads, dance, bowl, attend socials/balls, and shows at the Royal Theater. For many years she was an active member of the Eastern Star. The last chorus she lent her voice to was the Affirmation of Faith Choir. Ms. Pratt was never afraid to work and was an exemplary employee in a home, hospital, office or school. Her work life ended when she became a Baltimore City retiree. Sis, Aunt Dot, Auntie, Ms. Pratt delighted in the company and achievements of her family and friends. She will be remembered for countless acts of love, living the courageous life, easy smiles and beautiful laughter. We observed that most days she rose with an enviable enthusiasm and determination to get up and see what the Lord had in his grand design. Her heart was big enough to care for others in need, make visitors feel welcome and give assistance before being asked. Constantly, she stressed dignity and respect for oneself and others as well as personal achievements inside and outside of the home. Oliver Wendell Holmes is quoted to say, "We do not quit playing because we grow old; we grow old because we quit playing." She could be easily found in the group willing to play and share a good story. Often she told the story of how with the assistance of her walker she was able to skip pass her two boyfriends "arthur and ritis". Dorothy Pratt lived independently up until the time of her sudden stroke. She is preceded in death by her brother Harold Ozell Taylor and sister Thelma Savage. She leaves to mourn one brother, Daniel Gaines; one sister-in-law Diane Gaines; 4 nieces, Yvonne Garland, Gwendolyn Harrington, Thelma Savage, Doreen Gaines; 4 nephews, Byrd Savage, Ronald Savage, Leroy Savage, Daniel Savage; 17 great-nieces and nephews, and 28 great-great nieces and nephews, a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Dorothy Pratt

December 6, 1919 - January 3, 2006