Dorothy Whitfield

Dorothy A. Whitfield Memorial Service Saturday, March 25, 2023 12:00 – 2:00pm https://zoom.us/j/99245578128?pwd=R3padFhmaVp2STl0YzJVbkVESVhRdz09 Meeting ID: 992 4557 8128 Passcode: 500941 Dorothy Ann Whitfield was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 3, 1948. She was the seventh child born to the union of Rev. Clyde Bostick, Sr. (deceased) and Leila Bostick (deceased). Dorothy, lovingly referred to by all as “Dottie”, grew up in the city of Detroit (North End/Black Bottom/Central Detroit sections). Growing up in such a large family, she did not have to look far for playmates. She regularly played games with her siblings. Favorites of hers were, tag, jump rope, hop scotch, “hide-and-seek”, and a variety of card games. When she wasn’t engaged in a game of tag or gin rummy, you could find her in the kitchen alongside her mother receiving cooking lessons. These lessons would ignite a passion for cooking that would continue over the course of her life. Dottie’s formal education took place inside the walls of Trowbridge Elementary, Garfield Middle School, and Cass Technical High School. She would develop an interest in science which ultimately led to her choice of study in college. She would attend Wayne State University (WSU) and upon completion would earn a Bachelor’s of Science degree in 1968. After graduation, Dottie would become a registered dietician. She would work in that capacity at various places including, Harper Hospital, Mom & Tots Nutrition Program, Head Start Program, and the Visiting Nurses Association. Prior to graduating from WSU, she would marry her childhood friend, Warren G. Williams, Jr. (deceased). Two children were born of that union, Tamara Lynn and Warren Grant. After the dissolution of that union, she would meet Maj. Samuel D. Whitfield (deceased). The two married in December of 1974 blending together their families: Dottie’s two children and Samuel’s three, Electa(deceased) Boyd Samuel, and Carole Lynn, completed a family of seven. The family would increase by two additional members as Dottie and Samuel welcomed two daughters, Anginette and DeAnne Renee. Dottie enjoyed family life and would often comment on how she loved being a mother and wife. However, she will also be remembered for her devout love for the Lord. She dedicated her life to Christ at a very early age. Around the age of eight, she was baptized and became a member of New Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. It was during this time that Dottie would hone her skills for worship through song. She would receive piano lessons from her elementary school teacher, Mrs. Dansby and later from Ms. Betty, the church musician at New Mt. Sinai. She would go on to become a skillful pianist and vocalist. Ultimately, she would play for many churches throughout the Detroit area such as, New Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Greater Emmanuel Baptist Church, Fellowship of Love Baptist Church, New Birth Baptist Church, and Bethesda, Missionary Baptist Church. In addition, she would sing with various groups: Beverly Glenn Chorale, Blessed Hearts, and the New Mt. Sinai/Fellowship of Love Trio. She also participated in gospel workshops and community choirs. Dottie held many other interests outside of raising a family and attending church. As much as she loved playing music, she enjoyed listening to it as well. She cherished the harmonious “Motown” sound and other music of the 60s. She knew each word to every song and could give you the artist’s name and the year the song was released. Dottie was a wealth of information when it came to music. She also appreciated a good sermon or, good preachin’ as she would refer to it. It did not have to be Sunday morning for you to hear “the word” coming forth at the Whitfield household. In addition to her love for music, she enjoyed cooking and baking. She was well known for her delicious potato salad, homemade rolls from scratch, and her butter laden pound cakes. Dottie also liked hosting events. Her home was always open to everyone, especially during the holidays. You could count on being welcomed, being fed, and being sent home with a “to-go” plate. Her other favorite pastime was watching TV. She enjoyed the black and white classic movies, the Lifetime channel, Christmas movies, soap operas, and paternity court. Any good storyline would have her glued to a seat in her kitchen. At the age of 74, Dottie departed this life on Wednesday afternoon, March 8, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband Maj. Samuel D. Whitfield, parents, Rev. Clyde Bostick, Sr. and Leila Bostick, daughter, Electa Whitfield, brother, Earl Bostick, and sister, Mary Banks. She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Boyd (Camille) and Warren, four daughters, Carole (Ivory), Tamara, Anginette, and DeAnne, grandchildren, Delues, Matthew, and Kamal, brothers, Clyde, Preston (Wendellyn), and Leroy (Grace), sisters, Letha, Ollie, and Sylvia and a host of family and cherished friends.

Dorothy Whitfield

May 3, 1948 - March 8, 2023