Dorothy Harper was born on July 6, 1935, in her grandmother’s house at 20 Young Street on Staten Island, NY, to the late Mr. Pierre Metrash Williams and Mrs. Emily Dixon Williams.
The family moved to Brooklyn in 1936 where they remained for five years. The family’s next move was to New Haven in 1941 where Dorothy remained.
Dorothy (Dottie), as she was affectionately called, started school in New Haven and attended Benton Elementary School, Sheridan Middle School and graduated from James Hillhouse High School in 1953. After marrying and starting her family, Dottie returned to school, attending Southern Connecticut State College, Southern New Hampshire State University and Albertus Magnus College.
When in her early thirties, divorced and raising two sons alone, God sent her an extraordinary gift with a little assistance from her oldest son, Kevin. She met Mr. William (Bill) Thomas Harper, Youth Director of the YMCA. After getting to know each other better, they decided to marry in 1972 and were together for 35 years, until Bill passed on November 22, 2005.
Throughout the time that Bill and Dottie were a couple they were faithful and productive members of Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ. Bill, among many other things, was the unofficial church chef and all-round ombudsman; and Dottie was a member of many committees, but was popularly known for her announcement readings and her signature endings with a pithy quote. Many a person sought their sage advice in church work, spirituality and life-at-large.
For 25 years, Dottie was also employed with the City of New Haven as the director of the Newhallville Senior Center where she coordinated for participating seniors’ activities such as meals, educational trips, classes in the arts and craft, speakers, plus social and legal assistance, when needed. Dottie was highly respected and valued for the work she provided at the Center over the years she was there. The Center once located at Jackie Robinson School has since been renamed as the Dixwell/Newhallville Senior Center.
Dottie was also very politically active, serving as a Board Commissioner for the Aged for 10 years and the secretary for a year. At the time of her passing she was co-chair of the 11th Ward of the City of New Haven, Connecticut.
Dottie leaves behind a large and loving immediate family, as well as an extended family. She leaves her 2 sons, Kevin, Sr. and Louis II, and grandchildren: Kevin Jr., Pia, Christine, Ivan Pierre, Louis III, and Cyan Sanford; and 3 great grandchildren. Additionally, little Miss Trinity Lyons was Dottie’s granddaughter of the heart. Finally, Dottie also leaves her very special niece and beloved caretaker, Faith Martin; and daughter-in-law Shawne-Lumpkin Latham. Dottie was pre-deceased by adopted son Johnathan Latham.
In closing, we sadly realize that the world is a little less bright today without Dottie’s bright smile, her sense of humor and her impatience for ignorance. Dottie, dear mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, we all shall miss you dearly.
—The Sanford/Harper Family, Dixwell Church Family and a multitude of Friends
A memorial service will take place Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 6 O’clock PM at Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ; 217 Dixwell Ave, New Haven. Interment is private. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services; 1287 Chapel St. New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Harper family please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com.
She and my mother were super good friends when i was a young tot. I grew up with her sons and she was like a second mother. She was not afraid of technology and wouldn't let age get in her way, she was always on Facebook commenting on pics or issues of importance. She will be missed dearly.