- Date Of Birth: November 25, 1925
- Date Of Death: September 1, 2014
- State: South Carolina
On a lovely autumn day, November 25, 1925, an angel descended from heaven in the birth of Dorothy Williams to Reverend Cass and Josephine Williams in Eutawville, SC.
Dorothy was raised in a Christian home and educated in the public schools of Orangeburg, SC.
Dorothy met and married the love of her life, Mr. Lawrence Robert Simmons in 1947. To this union they were blessed and raised Julia, George, Leroy, Robert, Julia, William, Mary, Barbara, Lillie and Jerome. Dorothy also lovingly raised Vallery Simmons-Roland, Venisha Bass, Cherod and Spencer Simmons. Dorothy was the matriarch and mother to a host of other family members and friends. Later she married Moses Gillens who has preceded her in death.
Dorothy had a heart of gold, compassionate, always caring for others and giving unselfishly. She excelled in her varous jobs: a great ambassador for Christ, devoted wife, loving mother, beloved grandmother and great-grandmother, a faithful relative and true friend. She was an excellent homemaker and wonderful cook. She was the back bone that guided and directed those who came into her life.
Dorothy was a life-long devoted Christian and gave her life to the Lord at an early age. At Unity Missionary Baptist Church, she worked diligently in several capacities as a Deaconess, YMCA Missionary, #2 and Senior Choir members.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her two daughters, Julia Simmons and Barbara Sweeper. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children; Julia (Joe) McClaney, George (Artine) Simmons, Leroy Williams, Robert (Renee’) Simmons, William Simmons, Mary Simmons Brown, Lillie (Curtis) Prince, and Jerome Simmons; her brothers – Fred (Lillie) Williams, Rev. Mark (Mary) Williams, and Charlie (Josey) Williams; 27 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
