Dorothy Woodard Dukes

Dorothy Woodard Dukes, affectionately called “Dot Mae” was born April 29, 1942, in Winter Garden Florida to parents, James and Beaulah Woodard. Being the first girl in a family of several boys, Dorothy was the apple of her father’s eye. Nothing was too good for his baby girl. Dorothy grew up in rural Tildenville and attended Charles R. Drew School. She excelled academically, graduating with honors and was Valedictorian of her senior class. Dorothy met the love of her life, Hearn Sr., and a young romance was born. They were married for sixty one plus years! For part of her adult life she lived in Schenectady, New York and had three beautiful children, two boys and one girl. Years later another son joined the rest of the siblings. During her years in Schenectady, she worked hard along with her husband to help establish the best life that they could for their children. Her years in Schenectady were very fruitful as she worked tirelessly. She attended the State University of New York at Albany, Troy University and Russell Sage College receiving a BA Degree in Sociology all while raising her children. During an interview with Orlando Magazine, she expressed that she felt that her greatest and biggest achievement in life was being a mother. Family was everything to Dorothy and she always believed in supporting her children. She would say “I love my children and I was sorry when they got to the point where they didn't have to go to work with me anymore, I missed them.” Dorothy was not a very boisterous person, but what she did for others had a monumental effect on them. She was transparent and you knew where her heart and devotions were. She was honest and when you spoke to her, you knew that she would give you the best advice she could. Another shining moment in her life was on October 7, 1999, when the Central Florida Women’s Resource Center honored four outstanding women, Dorothy being one, in the community, by presenting them with a Summit Award. Summit Award winners are selected for having a history of diverse community service, possessing exemplary leadership abilities, performing community work, and serving as role models for other women. This award represented an impressive level of personal achievement. An additional shining moment was when Dorothy ran for State Representative for District 39. After 18 years of service at Community Coordinated Care for Children, Inc (4C), Dorothy was elected the second President/CEO in the history of the 25-year-old organization. She assumed the leadership of the third largest childcare centers in the state. Her promotion was in recognition of her system’s organizational capabilities. During her years of service, the organization also received their accreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA), being the first agency of this nature nationwide to do so. She made positive changes in the lives of parents and their children. Dorothy emphasized, the thing that got her going every morning was the opportunity to help families with young children. With Dorothy at the helm, 4C received the Walt Disney Community Service Award, The United Way Leadership Award, United Way Appreciation Award for a 4C 's work with Head Start, and the MELD Organization’s Appreciation Award for 4C’s support of young mothers. She received a myriad of awards and accolades far too numerous to include. She retired after 30 years of service on April 30, 2005, while also celebrating her 63rd birthday. Dorothy was also active in the community serving as a Board Member of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service, Secretary of the Florida Children Forum, and supporter of the Ivey Lane Housing Project. Dorothy proclaimed that the most inspiring book she ever read was the Bible. At her church she was a Missionary, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, Church Mother, to name a few. Being a Sunday School Teacher was one of the high points of her ministry to God. She loved her adult class, and they loved her. She enjoyed studying the lessons as much as she enjoyed teaching them. For years, she spearheaded a church family email tree, where she would take notes from the Pastor’s sermon. When other members of the congregation discovered that she was doing this, her email tree grew enormously. Sometimes the Pastor would ask her for copies of her notes. Dorothy was a selfless and generous person. She was all about love. To people Dorothy was an Angel. Dorothy was a writer, communicator, and very verbose. She would talk to her loved ones and send them letters, which were multiple pages like a book. It seemed as if when you started the letter there was no ending, but that was her. She wanted to ensure that you got her point. “The most important thing in our mom’s life was her love of God, the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and her loving family. She instilled that in all of us! We are proud to say, because of the example left by our beloved mother we are all saved in the blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” - Hearn Jr., Jamie Sr., Vincent Sr., and Dawn. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents James and Beaulah Woodard, and siblings: James Woodard Sr., RJ Woodard, Robert Woodard Sr., Harry Woodard Sr., Artis Woodard Sr., and Doris Stallworth. Today we celebrate her homegoing and 81st birthday. In her passing she leaves behind to mourn her loss a devoted and loving Husband, Hearn Sr.; Children: Hearn Jr. (Marilyn), Jamie Sr., Dawn (Tony), and Vincent Sr. (Sadah); Grandchildren: Joi, Vincent II, Camden, Jamie Jr., and Lydia; Brothers and sisters: Willie Woodard Sr. (Narva), Dora Richardson, Mary Barnes (Willie), Barbara Stevenson (Robert), and Deloris Riggins; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Dorothy Woodard Dukes

April 29, 1942 - April 19, 2023