Dottie Jean (Lawson) Taylor

To describe Dottie Jean Lawson-Taylor, she was “classy, smart, strong, compassionate, hard-working, civic-minded, loving, energetic, diligent, socially confident, friendly, empathetic and a Christian.” She was very outgoing and funny. Loved people; talking to them, befriending them and helping them This is what a co-worker said about her: “Dottie was a much loved associate of the Landmark Realty crew for 20+ years. Any time she was around, either in the office or on one of our excursions, there was an extra “spark,“  with her ready wit, sincere smile, and genuine personality. Dottie was able to successfully balance a full time job with the school system, her real estate job, community involvement, church work, and taking care of the love of her life, Eddie. She served as one of the leaders of Leadership Grenada and was good at raising funds to finance the program and recruiting participants. Dottie was loved and trusted by her real estate clients she served. We still laugh about when, on one particular occasion, she had a young man come into the office to see her. Dottie had known him as a student in school but hadn't seen him in a while. He walked in the door and had gotten so tall Dottie had to tilt her head back to look at him and she said, "You done grown!" If you called Dottie your friend you were blessed indeed, because she would love you unconditionally, defend you vigorously, advise you compassionately, and never judge you. Heaven will be brighter but our world will be darker because of her passing.”

Dottie Jean was born  August 30, 1942, in Guilford County, North Carolina. Daughter to Thadaus Lawson and Sarah Lee Alberta Lawson and sister to brother, Sherman Lawson. During the 1960’s segregation was coming to an end in North Carolina, Dottie, was selected to attend Guilford Industrial Education Center in Jamestown, NC.  She graduated  with a certificate in Secretarial Studies in 1964. Given the time, that was a big deal for a young black female to complete. She went on and graduated from college in  Business Administration. She left North Carolina and migrated  to Washington DC where she worked as a journalist at the Washington Times and for a local radio station. A woman on the move, she left Washington DC, and went to St. Louis Missouri where she worked at McDonald Douglas and KMOX TV. St. Louis, is where she met the love of her life, Rev. Edward C. Taylor II.  They were married in 1968.  Eddie was a pastor in The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME).   Eddie and Dottie were required to pastor different churches, teaching the word of GOD.  Supporting and growing the AME ministry. She was First Lady at a AME in Frankford, LA, Bowling Green MO., St. John Allen Chapel in Kansas City, St. Luke AME in St. Louis both in Missouri, and Sweet Home in Mississippi, just to name a few. Dottie received (for her exceptional leadership ability) the Supreme Grand Deputy Order of the Eastern Star award, from the State of Missouri Scottish Rite Mason Inc.

In 1980 they moved to Mississippi where Eddie was promoted to Presiding  Elder.  Mama Dot or Ms. Dottie as she was affectionately called, was very influential and active in the ministry, assuming many roles.  In addition to being a Bible class teacher, a choir member and assistant Sunday school teacher. They were in Mississippi for over 20 years.  During this time, she worked for Grenada School District and ran a successful business  as a real estate agent for Coldwell Bankers.  Every year the Chamber of Commerce in Granada, MS Leadership Committee would vote and grant one student who had worked hard, was self motivated and had the ability to boost the morale of the students, they would receive the Powerball Award.  In 2019, voted to rename this award the “Dottie Taylor Powerball Award” in honor of her remarkable service to the school district.

In 2019, (with the death of Eddie) she decided to retire from the school district and real estate. Packed up and moved to Alabama to be close to her daughter, son-in-law and grandson.   Mama Dot unwavering love for Christ and the AME church, quickly joined St. Paul AME, and immediately began to serve on the usher board and the dance ministry.  She became an alternate Sunday school teacher as well as being on the Pastor Aide Board.  She also was a volunteer at Elmcroft  Assisted Living Facility of Grayson Valley, AL. Dottie had a youthful and energetic spirit and a servant heart. She loved greens and corn bread, fashion, travel and gospel music.  Her favorite past time was reading, sports and studying the word of GOD. She received the Greater Area Chamber of Commerce Special Resignation Award for Exemplary Support and Service of the Chamber of Commerce in 2012. A member of the Chamber of Commerce; Coldwell Bankers Realtors; the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Committee and the Chamber of Commerce Beautification of Grenada Tree Board.

Dottie peacefully transitioned on to glory on January 11, 2021.  She was 78 years old.  She leaves to mourn, her daughter, Laverne Perkins; sons, Raymond Taylor and Bernard Taylor; son-in-law, Barry Perkins, grandson, Barry Stephon Perkins, granddaughter, Rayvonda Taylor-Flowe, grandson-in-law, Jasmon Flowe and great granddaughter, Jurnee Flowe;  niece, Deborah Lawson- Smith (Bud Smith); nephew, Xavier Duron Lawson (Nelrisa); great nephew,  Demetrius Simmons, great-great nephew, Zakee Simmons, god-daughter,    Denise Livingston and sister-in-law, Grace Hailey. Family that preceded Dottie in death. Her husband of 51 years, Edward C.Taylor II; her mother, Sarah Lee Alberta Lawson-Thompson; grandmother,  Daisy Johnson-Mobley; brother, Sherman Lawson; father, Thadaus Lawson; aunt, Pauline Douglas; daughter, Cynthia Taylor and grandson, Bernard Taylor Jr.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at Guil-Rand Memorial Park 1550 NC 62N High Point. Graveside will be at 1:30 p.m. Live streaming of services will be offered at link  https://www.facebook.com/Johnsonandsonshplivestream-101153881842644

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