DORSEY

(Lovingly known as A.Z.)

Alvis Adams Dorsey was born April 23, 1927 to Frank (F.K.) and Nancy Adams. She went home to be with the Lord October 8, 2020 at 6:14AM in the home of her loving daughter. She was born and

She was born and raised in Jasper, TX

Siblings: Lester Adams, Alvis Adams, LaVera Adams Griner, Geneva Marshall, Evelt Coleman, Roosevel Coleman, and Sherman Coleman, Naomi Simmons

Attended public school in Jamestown, Texas

B.S. and Master’s Degree from Prairie View Texas A&M University where she specialized in Education

She was a professional educator specializing in Reading and English

She completed her student teaching in Baytown Texas

Served as a Professional Educator for 34 years in the following capacities:

• Buena ISD as a High School English Teacher and Girls’ Basketball Coach

• Hooks ISD an English Teacher and Girls’ Basketbal Coach

• Prescott, Arkansas ISD as an English Teacher

• Pittsburg ISD at Douglas High School prior to integration teaching English.

• Pittsburg ISD Middle School English Teacher and Developmental Reading

• She retired from teaching in 1989

• After retirement, she continued to substitute at Arkansas High School and Linden Kildare High Schoo doing classroom interventions and homebound classes.

Clubs & Organizations:

• Business & Professional Women’s Club of Linden

• Women’s Auxiliary of Unity District Baptist Association

• Dr. Martin Luther King Club

• Pleasant Hill Quilting Club • Hearts Touched By Jesus

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Archie E Dorsey

Parents: Frank (F.K.) & Nancy Adams

All Siblings: She was the last living sibling of her Adams and Coleman family.

• Alvis married the love of her life, Archie E. Dorsey on June 26, 1952

• To this union two children were born

• Children: RaDell Dorsey (Mary) and Dr.Schuwan Dorsey

• Like a son: Raymond Griner

• Like a daughter: Christie Glasco (Wayne)

• Special Daughter In Law: Mary S. Dorsey

• Grandchildren: Pamela Dorsey McClendon (Carl and Archie Tyrone Dorsey

• Like a grandchild: Brittney Griner

• Great Grandchildren: Cartavion McClendon, Devion Dorsey, Alyza Dorsey, Tianna Dorsey, Jayda Dorsey

• Like a great-grandchild: Niyah Charles

• Great-great granddaughter: Aubrey McClendon

• Devoted sister and brother in law-Jesse and Allene Wilson

• Goddaughter: SheKera Griner

• A large host of nieces and nephews

Memories For A Lifetime

She loved her family. She would so lovingly give o her time and resources to anyone to help. She loved helping people and seeing them happy. Her selfless acts of kindness were received by many. Wherever she was and whatever she could do to assist was always her goal. She was very proud to be a Dorsey and always took pride when sharing her physical address of 400 Dorsey Street. She continued the legacy of aiding others after the passing of her beloved husband, A.E. Dorsey.

She had a passion for basketball. She could often be found in her living room watching the NCAA and WNBA. It was often wondered who played the hardest? The players or her? From her favorite spot on the couch, she would coach the women, while yelling at the television like they could hear her!

In her later years, she would often travel with the Pleasant Hill Quilting Club as they would present the phenomenal skit of the Underground Railroad. These ladies traveled many places with their presentation. They could be found all over East Texas, Dallas, Atlanta, GA, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. She would often say that she was waiting on Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry to discover them! When she would present her section of the skit which was the Monkey Wrench, it was always done from memory with such facial expression. She captivated every audience. Every performance was concluded with a signature wave with a lovely, heartfelt smile.

Mrs. Dorsey was well known for her exquisite style of dress. Her ability to match a suit, hat, shoes, and purse was absolutely magnificent. Her class and elegance were always captivating when she walked into a room. Her humble spirit and unique personality always made her very approachable and inviting.

There wasn’t a time when Mrs. Dorsey didn’t seize the opportunity to shop at the mall or Lily’s Boutique. She enjoyed maneuvering and negotiating with business owners. She knew how to obtain what she wanted and when she wanted it with her by utilizing her intriguing smile.

January was a month that she always looked forward to inviting bands for entertainment. Mrs. Dorsey secured bands from Kennedy Middle School, Wilmer Hutchins High School Marching Music Machine, John Tyler High School Band, Texas Southern University. The bands were always a highlight, and everyone looked forward to their performances. One of her greatest accomplishments was obtaining the Grambling State University’s Band to march and perform in the annual MLK Parade in 2012. The initial commitment to come to Linden, Texas for a performance had to be altered due to the invitation to the White House for President Obama’s Second Inauguration, Dr. Pannell continued to honor his commitment for this special lady. Since this milestone accomplishment, the small town of Linden, Texas has never been the same.