Dorothy Lee Slater (McWilliams)

IN REMEMBRANCE OF DOROTHY LEE SLATER Our beloved Dorothy Lee Slater peacefully gained her wings on May 9, 2024. She was 86 years young. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Matthew and Edna Slater, Sr., whom she adored; Seven siblings: Catherine Goodall, Leroy Slater, Matthew Slater, Jr., Ruby Wiggins, James Slater, Rosalie Slater, and Alfred Slater. Dorothy was born in Sumter, SC on January 9, 1938. Shortly thereafter, her parents relocated to Richmond, VA. She grew up in the Church Hill area. She attended Richmond City Public Schools. Upon reaching adulthood, she then entered into the work force, married, and began raising a family. To know her was to know she loved her family. She was well known back in the day for her good cooking. She could “throw down” in the kitchen. Dorothy was also known for her weekend socials, decorative skills in and outside her home, and her fashion. She took pride in herself and had her very own jazzy style. She loved her suits and wore them well. Dorothy was affectionately known by many names, which she answered to them all with a smile. She was called Ma, Momma, Mumma, Mother, Grandma, Gran, GiGi, Auntie, Dudlee, Dosalie, Dot, Ms. Dorothy, Ms. D, Mother Dorothy, and Momma T. (There is a story to this one). I'm sure you have your own special name and she loved them all. She showed so much love and compassion to all. Dorothy fed anyone hungry and those who needed help getting food. Dorothy was a hard-working woman and always made sure her family had what they needed. She worked for many years and well after her retirement age. This was because she thoroughly enjoyed her job, the people she worked with, and the children she engaged with daily. They all referred to her as “Grandma”. Dorothy was known for giving encouragement and great advice. Above ALL else, she loved Jesus Christ and would proudly let everyone know it. She felt compelled to share the love of Christ to everyone she encountered and would boldly witness to God's immeasurable love and healing power. Dorothy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in her adult life. She was a member of New Covenant Apostolic Church. Prior to coming to New Covenant, she attended Grace and Mercy Church. She LOVED her church! She would have gone every day, if she could have. That's just how much she loved the “Word” and enjoyed worshiping with her church family. She would stand and testify, telling of the goodness of God, and all He had done in her life. One of her favorite sayings was, “ALWAYS put God first”. Dorothy’s faith in God was strong. She had many trials and tribulations during her 86 years of life, but her faith in God never wavered and God honored that. He never left her side and kept her in the midst of it all. She firmly believed in the power of prayer. She prayed daily to keep her connection and her relationship with God strong. The Word of God and prayer is what got her through any situation she faced. Dorothy was an avid believer in prayer and would often go up for prayer at the end of services. If prayer was offered, she took it and if it wasn't, she would ask for it. Prayer gave her the peace, the comfort, and the reassurance that only God could give. She was also a huge believer in forgiveness. Why? …because GOD said to do it. She taught her family to forgive, even when others hurt or mistreated them. Dorothy had such a loving heart and a kind and gentle spirit. She was a classy lady who demonstrated tremendous strength, grace, poise, and integrity. She was loved and cherished by many and will be greatly missed. Dorothy leaves to honor and cherish her memories her devoted children: Willie Turnage, Jr., Brenda Robinson(Anthony), Michael Turnage, Denease Jones(Antonio), and Odell M. Foster(Andre'); Sisters: Hannah Mathis(Bill) and Barbara Slater; Grandchildren: Dominick Spell(Natalie), Chasity Adkins(Jeff), Naja Robinson, Keymon Satterwhite, Anthony Robinson, Jr., Deandre' Foster(Jermiah), and Daisha Foster; Great grandchildren: Dominick, Jr., Desmond Spell, Deandre' Foster, Jr., Aubree Adkins, and Jiya Foster; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and many friends.

Tributes

Dorothy Lee Slater (McWilliams)

January 9, 1938 - May 9, 2024