Dorothy J. Price's Obituary
Dorothy Jean Price, affectionately known as "Dot," was born on April 2, 1939, in El Dorado, Arkansas. She was the fourth of five children born to Joe C. and Odessa Jones. In 1952, Dot and her family moved to Tacoma, Washington, where she attended and graduated from Lincoln High School. She furthered her education by taking courses at Bates Vocational School.
Dorothy's spiritual journey began early in life when she joined the Pentecostal church in Arkansas. Upon moving to Washington, she became a member of Altheimer Memorial Church. In 1973, she joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Raymond Cain. Dorothy held numerous positions within the church, including president and treasurer of the usher board, member of the Gospel Choir & Voices of Mt. Calvary, and Deaconess.
In 1956, Dorothy married Willie Nathaniel Brown, and together they had six children: Merlyn D. Brown, Jerome Brown, Teddi (Jan) Brown, Yvette A. Brown, Cynthia D. Brown, and Willie N. Brown. After their marriage ended, Dorothy remained a devoted homemaker and worked as a teacher's aide for the Tacoma School District.
In 1975, Dorothy married Floyd L. Price, and the couple relocated to Stuttgart, Germany, where she worked as a meat cutter at the commissary. Upon returning to the United States, she worked at Bank Check Supply and provided daycare for her grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Nana."
Dorothy was a loving wife and a devoted member of her church community. She enjoyed camping, fishing, playing cards, bowling, knitting, sewing, cooking, entertaining, playing bingo, traveling, and listening to gospel music. She had a heart of gold and was always looking out for others, offering a listening ear or a warm hug.
Dorothy was many things to many people-- a child of God, a mother, sister, grandmother, auntie, friend neighbor, cousin, and mentor. Her radiant smile lit up every room she entered. She lived life to the fullest and especially loved spending time with her family. She was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, and love and support for both her family and church. Nana had a remarkable ability to connect with people, always speaking the truth, even when it wasn't what you wanted to hear.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Joe C. and Odessa Jones; her brothers, Mack Jones and Joe Mack Jones; her sister, Mary Dean Robinson; her children, Cynthia D. Brown, Jerome Brown, and Yvette Harris; and twin great-grandchildren, Jacob and Jeremiah Smith.
She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Pecolia (Andrew) Coley; her children, Merlyn D. Mason, Teddi J. Brown (Kenneth Love), and Willie Brown; her godchildren, Darlene Nicholson, Faye Canley, and Charles Jones; 13 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Dorothy will be deeply missed, but her legacy of compassion, loyalty, and friendship will continue for many generations. We feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of her beautiful life. Dorothy's brilliant spirit and compassionate heart brought joy to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
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