Odessa Gillard Dorsey

Funeral Services for the Late Odessa Dorsey of Hemingway, will be held 11 AM, Thursday, December 7,2017 at Chavis A.M.E Church. Following Interment at Garden of Devotion in Johnsonville, South Carolina. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a course of righteous, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me of that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8 Mother Odessa Gillard Dorsey, affectionately called, Ma, Mother, Mom, Grandma, Aunt Dess, Mrs. DoLittle, Mrs. Do, Mrs. Odessa and Mrs. Dorsey was born January 15, 1920 in the Poplar Hill Community, Hemingway, SC. She was born to Mr. Willie Austin and Mable Wright and was raised by her aunt and uncle Viola Wright Gillard and Andrew Gillard. Odessa was united in marriage to the Late Johnie Dorsey on Oct. 13, 1938. She was the mother of seven children. Three of whom preceded her in death: Willie Mae Gillard Walter, Helen McGee, James Kenneth Dorsey; one grand-daughter, Katrina McGee, and two grand-sons, Daryl McGee and Derious Bell. Mother Odessa was a kind, loveable, helpful, caring and devoted person who believed in the power of prayer. She believed in giving God the praise for all the many blessings He had bestowed upon her. She departed this blessed life on Friday, December 2, 2017 at 1:25 pm. A life member of Chavis A. M. E. Church, Mother Odessa was active in many auxiliaries including: Gospel Choir, Missionary Society, Deaconess Board, Stewardess Board and served as Mother of Chavis AME Church until her passing. Her favorite scripture was Matthew 5:9- “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Mother Odessa strived to be one of God’s peacemakers. Throughout life, Mother Odessa’s years of employment were spent working on the farm, working as housekeepers for many families in the Hemingway area, and also as an employee of Wellman Industries. Proudly, she was the first black woman employed at Wellman Industries on April 9, 1966. Always aware of the political scene and the struggle for equality for Blacks, Mother Odessa set her sight on Voter Registration. And through sheer courage and determination, she therefore became the first black woman registered to vote in Hemingway, SC. She often told the story of how she could vividly remember the importance of the voting event and how she was required to read a paragraph before she was issued her voter’s registration card. That voter registration card gave her a new freedom. She continued to vote for as long as possible and for as many elections as she could. Mother Odessa didn’t focus all of her time on working and raising a family, she took some time to vacation throughout the United States, as well as abroad to visit Frankfurt, Germany; Honolulu, Hawaii; London, England and Paris, France. She also managed to enjoy two luxury cruises. Mother Odessa at the age of 97 lived with her daughter Priscilla. Also at the age of 97, she still enjoyed looking her best. “Looking Good” has always been her signature style. Her classic style was often adorned by the hat that was “just right” to show off her outfit and define her wholesome personality. Mother Odessa’s quiet demeanor and gentle calm spirit will remain present and will continue to grow because she is loved and cherished in the memories of her children, Corliss (Rev. Broadus) Jones, Clayton, NC; Patricia D. Bryant, Randallstown, MD; Priscilla D. Bell, Hemingway, SC; Eunice D. (Hubert)Gary, Kingstree, SC.; One additional son-in-law, George McGee, Teaneck, NJ; Grandchildren: Veronica Merritt, Rodney Jones, Subrena Bryant, Terenzo Dorsey, Tonya Boland, Kyrone Bryant, Ralph Walter, Tyrone Byers, Paul Byers, Paula Byers, Evelyn Byer and Yvonne McGee. Thirteen great grandchildren, and three great, great grandchildren; One sister Lillian Robinson, Charleston, SC; A sister-in-law Evelyn Dorsey, Nesmith, SC and One brother-in-law Eddie (Rosa Bell) Dorsey, Nesmith, SC; A special cousin Everlena Dollard (God Children: King (Mary Frances) Singletary, Diann Smith, Annie Williams, Leroy (Deloris) Barr, Sammie (Joyce) Pushia, Richard (Jackie) Hayes; Donald (Rose) Singleton, Lucy Nesmith and Kelly Wilson. A Host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.