Dorothy Frieda Weeks (Stocks)'s Obituary
Dorothy came from pioneers of the area that crossed the Oregon Trail. Her Grandparents moved to Washington at the turn of the 20th century about the time that Dorothy’s mother Alice was born. Later on we discovered that this pioneering spirit was also connected to Plymouth, MA, which pretty much explains Dorothy’s ability to fight through some physical challenges, yet live to the age of 88 against many odds. Her spirituality and sense of morality must have been inherent. Her father came from Alabama and met her mother while stationed in the Navy. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Earl, and son David . She had two brothers twins Ronald and Donald that preceded her in death, as well as a grandchild, and great grandchild.
She graduated from Lincoln in 49, married Earl Weeks, and moved with him To Florida and TX while he was in the Army Air Corps. Birth complications with their oldest child David brought Earl home, just missing a deployment to the Korean War. Dorothy was advised to not have more children, yet 3 of us survive.
Dorothy grew up on Tacoma’s East Side and told of walking to Lincoln High School, and working at Kream Krust Bakery, Sparkletts and Day’s Tailoring where she started dating Earl. One of her jobs was matching plaids before they were cut in many layers. I find it interesting that while transitioning she was trying to match things in the ICU, such as bedding or clothing. She was a puzzle solver, and played cryptic games. She taught us how to play chess, and various board and card games while growing up. She was a critical thinker, and would figure out how to solve issues in civil matters, in a civil manner. I wish that I had the patience and grace that she had. My heart hurts thinking that her gentle spirit is gone, and may not live on in me.
PTA President for Four levels of schooling, was the Exceptional Child Chairman, Jr/Sr Director of the Tacoma School District PTA and helped develop programs, such as Preschool, and pre-testing of children for various milestones. As these programs grew, they gained recognition as I found out while living in Germany. I worked for the Civil Service with a social worker developing his forms and while writing justifications it was revealed that the U.S. Army was developing their Exceptional Family Member Program around that of the Tacoma Public Schools.
While she was doing her duties as PTA presidents, she was also doing work with the church, as Pres of the Women’s Society at Bethany UMC, Spiritual Growth Chair, Tacoma District UMC, taught Sunday School. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, and art director at the camp a year or two.
In the 1960’s as PTA President she helped est. Black History classes at Lincoln High School. Through the church she was asked to speak to the Colored Women’s association and the AME church. Years later she couldn’t remember exactly what she said, but that she was welcomed, and was invited back to luncheons.
She was the church secretary as her first job after raising us, then worked at a nursing home for a couple of years before working with the civil service first with the Environmental Office, then as a Procurement Technician in the Contracting Office at Fort Lewis.
Dorothy and Earl raised us to be independent thinkers. David passed at the age of 36 from malignant Melanoma which broke their hearts. Bruce is one of the hardest working people I know, two jobs (one out of town) with rare moments for a meal or rest. Gary served in the Air Force, and Coast Guard, graduated with a degree in Finance, and works for Boeing, testing the planes before they go out to the flight line. Christine served in the Air Force Reserves and Army, retired from Boeing as a Buyer in 2015 and had some quality time for the last months together.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorothy ?
Share a story where Dorothy 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorothy you’ll never forget.
How did Dorothy make you smile?