On January 22, 1934, the family of James Garfield and Birdie Hattie Releford-Benton welcomed a tiny preemie baby girl, who they named Dorothy Jean. She was the “Baby” of the bunch and delighted, being the baby! She, along with her parents and siblings lived in the Redland/Foreman, Oklahoma communities. She was a long time resident of Muldrow, Oklahoma.
Her formal education was received at the elementary school in Foreman; being taught by the “Legendary Professor Hanna”. She continued her education by attending and graduating from the All-Black, Douglass High School in Vian, Oklahoma. She aspired to be a secretary after graduation.
She was a civic-minded person, who was involved with local politics in Muldrow. She enjoyed working in the local elections especially the County Commissioner’s and Sheriff’s races! She liked campaigning!
Dorothy was always an avid church woman. She thoroughly loved Quartet Singing and lively services. She attended Gaines Chapel AME in Foreman as a youth and into adulthood. She was a vital part of helping to establish Muldrow COGIC. She served there faithfully for many years. She sold dinners, raffle tickets and other projects to help build and maintain the church; along with supporting the pastor and his family Supt. R.E.Huff. She could be found teaching and attending Sunday School, YPWW, Bible Band. She would not shy away from organizing or conducting Christmas, Easter and Anniversary programs. For a time, she worshipped at another church in Muldrow and wrote their church news for the local newspaper.
After relocating to Oklahoma City, in the 1980’s;she attended Highland Drive COGIC under Pastor Huff. Later she moved her membership to the then Crossroads Cathedral, pastored by Dr. Dan Sheafer. She remained a faithful worshiper, until her health began to fail. While a member there, she attended Sunday School and was a member of the GoldenAires, a senior group. She was blessed to travel with this group throughout the State and neighboring states.
Having a love for children, she helped to rear some nieces and nephews in their youth: Jimmie Ann, Charles Edward Thompson, Patricia Ann and the last being Aubrianna, her great-great-niece. The most well-known was Gerald (Sebbie) Johnson, who she and her mother raised.
As a young woman, she was a hard worker. She worked at the Alice Hotel in Wichita, KS. She worked at a laundry in Ft. Smith, AR and did maid /day work for Supt. Jasper Boyd. She did her share of cutting spinach, chopping and picking cotton, along with beans and peas.
Dorothy was married to Finis Mearron. The marriage ended in divorce, but they remained cordial until his death and she remained a widow to her death.
She was preceded in death by her children: Ralph Eugene, Berkal Lee and Etta; her parents James & Birdie Benton, her brothers: Robert, Earnest, Benjamin (Skinner); sisters: Addie, Addie Leona, Alice Odessa, Etta Marie, Minnie Hazel, Lucille and Birdie Jean.
She is survived by her only child to live past infancy, Kenneth Ray Mearron, of the home. The guy who held her heart! She was a devoted Mother to him and him a son to her!! She is also survived by her sister-in-law Rose Lee Mearron-Youngblood.
Leaving behind to miss her are several first cousins, including, but not limited to: Lillian Benton-Murray, and Lahoma Benton-Boyd, Dorothy Releford-Green; Arthur, Shirley, and Carolyn Releford along with her Cousin-in-law, Willis(Goodloe)Johnson.
Many nieces, nephews up to great-great-great-great nieces and nephews, five generations, numerous generations of cousins, countless friends, former church members and acquaintances survive her.
Last, but not least her special devoted nephews Charles Edward Thompson and wife, Bernice; along with their son Charles (Peanut, Cha-Cha Thompson, who would travel from Kansas to be of assistance to her. A kind, helpful, gentle church member and true friend, Mrs. Mary Duggan will miss her!
Funeral service is Saturday, October 31, 2015 at 1 pm at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Sallisaw. Burial will be at Centerpoint Cemetery.
Viewing will be Thursday 1 - 8 pm and Friday 10 am - 8 pm at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw. The family will greet Friday from 6 - 8 pm. |
