Dorothy J. Washington

Dorothy J. Washington, (‘Dotti’), passed away following a brief illness, Friday, October 8, 2021, surrounded by her loving family at Amherst Manor Nursing Home Learning something new every day was a “motto” of Dorothy J. Washington. Dotti, as she liked to be called, was born in Wilburton, Oklahoma. She was known as a modern- day pioneer, community activist, labor leader, public speaker and mentor. A woman of elegance and wit, Dotti’s soft tone and electrifying smile aroused the lives of the citizens in Lorain County. Dotti was a “doer” and could be found urging people to vote, mentoring young women and men, or marching to support the fight against the oppressed. Moving to Lorain Ohio in the early 1950s, Dotti was the eldest child of eight. Her mentorship started at an early age. She was a proud member of the first graduating class of Lorain’s Admiral King High School (1962). She was employed with Ford Motor Company Ohio Assembly from where she retired after 30 years. Education was an important facet of her life. Her educational background includes: Ohio University, Kent State University and The Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center. She was the first African American elected to the Executive Board as Treasurer and Recording Secretary UAW Local 2000, and Lead Teacher with the Lorain Head Start Program. Her civic outreach includes: President and Founding Member of Lorain County National Council of Negro Women, Lorain Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club Board Member (Past President), Lorain County YWCA Board Member, Central Member of the Democratic Party/Lorain County, former member of Ohio Election Committee (appointed by then Secretary of State now Senator Sherrod Brown), Volunteer for “Light Up Downtown Lorain Christmas”, former member of United Way Board, former Red Cross Volunteer, Lorain County Coalition of Labor Union Women and Feed the Hungry (Community Based Organization), and “Who’s Who of American Women”. Family was very important to Dotti. She leaves to cherish her memory her siblings Gwendolyn Tye Willis (Sullivan) of Akron OH, Luther C. Washington Jr. of Savannah GA, Donald Ray Washington (Ethel) of Oberlin OH, Barbara Quinn Aldridge of Lorain OH and Diane Quinn Austin of Lorain OH. Thou she had no biological children of her own, Dotti was an aunt, spiritual mom and friend to many. She was an active member of Second Baptist Church-Lorain OH, serving under Pastor Loversier Lewis. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ida J. Quinn; her fathers, Luther C. Washington and William A. Quinn; a brother, Richard L. Washington and a sister, Darlene Maria Quinn. Dotti’s words, actions and deeds reflected her leadership role in the community. She was an advocate for voter rights, women rights and organized labor. Her “motto” continues to be one of inspiration for all to follow—“If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.” A public walk-through viewing will be held Saturday, October 16, 2021 from 10:00AM until time of service at 12:00PM at Second Baptist Church, 300 W. 13th Street, Lorain OH. Pastor Rev. Loversier Lewis will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst. Social distancing and wearing a mask are required.