We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dorothy “Dottie” Elizabeth Wilson, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Dorothy was born on May 5, 1939 in Gary, West Virginia to Thomas and Ethel Hawkins. Her childhood was spent being a playful little girl who enjoyed shucking corn with her mother and playing in the yard while her father tended the garden. In fall of 1952, Dot, attended Gary District High School which was segregated and only for black children. While the quietest child in class she shied away from sports, but once that music came on she was always the first one on the dance floor to Mash Potato at the school dances. After graduating high school in June 1956, Dottie packed her bags and moved up north to Baltimore, Maryland, with some cousins. In 1959, she married James Wilson and together they raised their daughter, Yolonda Gilliam.

Dorothy had a passion for gardening and sewing, always creating beautiful pieces with her skilled hands. She made just about all of her and her daughter clothes as a young wife and mother.

On July 31, 2024, Dorothy passed away due to Coronary Artery Disease. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and creativity that will be cherished by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, including her daughter, Yolonda Gilliam, two grandchildren, Destini Nastassia Gilliam, Roderick Burtell Gilliam, II., and his wife Ashley Grace Gilliam. Her great grandchildren, Christopher Roderick Gilliam, Nicholas Isaiah Gilliam, Roderick Burtell Gilliam, III., Ri’Cky Douglass Gilliam, Akeelah Grace Gilliam, Ma’Kiyah Lynn Gilliam and Rihley Nastassia Gilliam will continue to hear and learn of their great grandmother and be reminded of her love for always.

To our matriarch, Dorothy Wilson, sleep in perfect peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

Job well done.