Dorothy Mae Willie

Dorothy Mae Willie, second oldest of George and Louise Phillips was born on April 17, 1947, in Rocky Mount North Carolina. She passed away in her home on Friday October 19, 2018, after a long battle with cancer. Dorothy was a graduate of Nash High School in Rocky Mount North Carolina. When she was a child she spent most of her time helping her parents take care of their farm. Later, her grandmother Bertha Farmer introduced her to Leroy Willie. At that time he was working in a band called, Little Willie and the Jets. Dorothy enjoyed listening to the band play and acquired a love for music. They relocated to Baltimore Maryland, so that they could get married. She remained married to her husband for 53 years until she passed away. Dorothy was known for her friendly personality. She would welcome people into her home with a warm welcome and a smile. She always saw the best in each person and would never judge anyone. She truly believed there was something good in everyone and would find something positive to say about them. She enjoyed cooking for the holidays and special occasions. She adored her family because they were very important to her. She was the glue that held our family together. Dorothy has always been an inspiration to her husband Leroy. She faithfully stood beside him and gave him the confidence and motivation to become co-owner of their family businesses. She was a proud business owner of 10 different businesses over the past 40 years. These businesses include: The Rib Cage, Willie's Steakhouse, Willie's Seafood, Willie's Grocery Store, Willie's Hawaii Five O Bar, Willie's Seafood, Willie's Auto & Tire Shop and Treasure City Thrift Store. The previous businesses were stepping stones to their crowing achievement of owning and operating Willie's Meats and Produce. With all these businesses combined she successfully managed over 500 employees. She will be truly. Dorothy is survived by her husband Leroy Willie of Pikesville, MD, and her 4 children, Thomas Billy, of Baltimore Maryland, Marjorie Ann Harp and (Daryl Marcus Harp Sr., son-in-law) of Raeford North Carolina, Helena Willie of Baltimore Maryland, Arthur Alexander Willie of Baltimore Maryland and her sisters Mary Louise Phillips, of Plainfield NJ. and Brenda Batchelor, of Kansas City, and her brothers James Ray Phillips, of Richmond Virginia, and their Grandchildren: Keith White, Darren White, Darryl White, Darius Willie, Ryan Willie, Kendall Howard, Daryl Harp Jr., Olivia Anndora Harp, DeJuan Harp, Jasmine Willis, LaTasha Fitch, Isaiah Willie, Frankie Ross, and 8 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her youngest son Vincent Lee Willie, and her parents Louise and George Phillips, her sisters, Diane Phillips, Mattie Ruth Billings, and her brothers George Marvin Phillips and Theodore Farmer and (Marla Marceena Willie daughter-in-law). Dorothy also leaves a host of loving extended family and friends.

Tributes

Dorothy Mae Willie

February 11, 1940 - October 19, 2018