Dorothy L. Whitley

Dorothy L. Whitley was born April 9, 1929 in Spring Hope, North Carolina to William Russell Lucas and Minnie Hendricks Lucas. She was the eighth of fourteen children born to this union. She attended public schools in Spring Hope, graduated from CC Spaulding High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina. After graduating she began her teaching career at Spaulding Elementary School in Spring Hope. On July 22, 1955 Dorothy married the love of her life, McClain D. Whitley. Ten years later their treasured daughter, Delain Lisa joined the union. Dorothy continued her teaching career in the DC Public School System at Ludlow Taylor Elementary School in Northeast, DC where she taught first and second grade. She enjoyed working with the little people, especially tutoring, teaching arts and crafts, and decorating bulletin boards. Dorothy retired from the DC Public School System in June 1989. She continued to give to others by volunteering at Africare for two years and working for the MPCC Pearl Smith Youth Center for 12 years. She also enjoyed her hobbies of reading, walking and exercising. Later she was diagnosed with diabetes which she was able to manage with healthy eating and exercise – never having to use insulin until her most recent hospital stay. Dorothy loved the Lord with all her heart and dedicated her life to God’s service. She joined Michigan Park Christian Church (MPCC) in 1968. As an active member, she participated in numerous ministries to include: Drama, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Vacation Bible School, Wednesday Bible Study, Diaconate, Sunday school, Fundraising, Clothing and Shoes Drive, and the Choral for over 35 years. She received the ultimate honor in 2004 of being named the MPCC Woman of the Year. Dorothy and McClain worked side by side as Disciples of Christ at MPCC until he fell ill and passed away in April of 2013. At the time of his death they had been married for 57 years. Dorothy departed this life on January 1, 2023 at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. Surviving to remember and celebrate her life are: her daughter, Delain Lisa Lea; three grandchildren, Brent Andrew Alleyne II (Tiffany), Jordan Nicole and Jalen Reginal Lea; three great-grandchildren, Brelyn Michelle, Blake Andrew, and Brylei Ryan Alleyne; sister, Augusta L. Jones; sisters-in-law, Katherine N. Lucas and Freddie H. Lucas; goddaughters/nieces, Linda P. Braswell and Hillary L. Rouse and numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Dorothy L. Whitley

April 9, 1929 - January 1, 2023