Betty Lou Dorsey

Betty Lou Dorsey, 88, entered into eternal rest April 19*, 2023, while being surrounded by her son Robert Blake and sisters (Susan Bryant and Elizabeth Ode) at Westminster North Senior Living Center.

She was born in Cheraw, South Carolina, as the 5″ child of 11 children to her wonderful parents (Frank and Mamie Johnson). Her parents preceded her in death, in addition to her husband (Hubert Blake); daughter-in-law – Janice Blake; brothers (Rev. Franklin D. Johnson, Willie Linc Johnson, Calvin Quincy Johnson) … along with …. Sisters (Amelia Nell Johnson and Janie L. Johnson).

Betty is survived by her son Robert Blake (The Late Janice Blake); her grandchildren, Robert Lamar- Everhart, Alela Stein, and Deliah Blake. Siblings: Roosevelt Johnson (Mary), John Johnson (The Late Qwendolyn Johnson), Susan Bryant (The Late Sandy Bryant), Mary Brockman (Nathaniel), and Elizabeth Ode (The Late Stephen B. Odle).

Betty attended school in Cheraw, S. C graduating from Coulter High School (May -1954) and continued her educational studies at Harry Thurman Junior College, where she earned her associate degree in advanced business accounting.

After graduation, Better moved from South Carolina to New York City to pursue her passion for working with numbers and customer relations. She was employed at Kay Jewelry in New York, as an account manager and later was employed as a buyer/controller in merchandising for Sears RoeBuck. Prior to retiring, Sears transferred Betty to Chicago, Ill, and later to Charlotte, N.C, to become a merchandise controller. After retiring from Sears Roe-Buck, Betty remained actively employed by working part-time at Harris Teeter, Charlotte Better Business Bureau and as an AVON sales/consultant/distributor.

Betty’s spiritual journey began at the Mt. Hebron A.M.E. Zion Church of Cheraw, S. C. within her mother’s family church. After moving to New York City, Betty joined and actively was engaged in ministry with the Mother Zion Church of Brooklyn, New York where she assisted with the youth ministry and volunteering many hours, giving back and encouraging many young individuals.

Later in life, Betty moved to Charlotte, North Carolina and then joined the Gethsemane ME Zion Church where she was a valued member actively participating with the Women’s Mission Circle and the Gethsemane Outreach Missions.

While living in Charlotte, Betty devoted much of her time with her Church, but she was extremely involved in Charlotte’s community civic engagement activities. She volunteered within her Charlotte Mecklenburg community as an active member of the local NAACP and served as an area prescient election committee member. In addition, Betty, also, was actively involved in her housing neighborhood co-op as a block captain, for a number of years. A neighbor friend (Mr. Humphries) comments that “Betty was more than just a neighbor… she was a friend to many within the co-op’s housing complex.”

During a special birthday celebration, neighbors shared that “Betty was a neighbor that lived with integrity, goodness, love and devotion from her heart.” They also commented that Betty had made a difference within the lives of those that interacted with her over the year and referred to her as …”God’s Gift to us !!'”.

Visitation for Betty will be Saturday, May 6th, at Flanner Buchanan Washington Park East, from 11am-1pm. Her services celebration the life and legacy of Betty will begin at 1pm. She will be laid to rest at Washington Park East Cemetery.

Her service may be viewed virtually with this link. 

Memorial contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to Guardian Angel Hospice Association and Alzheimer’s Association.

Special thanks to Guardian Angel Hospice Team and the staff of Westminster Village North.

It is our hope and prayer that the Lord will continue richly bless you all today, tomorrow, and forever so that you can continue with the love and supportive work that you do!

2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteous which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day;”