Mary E. Dorsey

“A life beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.”

Mary Fountain Dorsey was born on December 14, 1937, in Smithville, South Carolina, to the late Brooks Fountain Sr. and Bessie Coit Fountain. She spent her childhood years in Cheraw,South Carolina, alongside her three brothers. Mary accepted Christ at an early age, setting the foundation for a life of faith, service, and compassion. She peacefully departed this life on October 30, 2025. 

Mary received her education in the Cheraw Public Schools. In her early adult years, she met and married the love of her life, Harrington “Bob” Dorsey. Together, they moved to Detroit,Michigan, where they built a beautiful life and raised four wonderful children.A devoted wife and mother, Mary dedicated her early years to raising her children and serving her community. She volunteered faithfully in the Detroit Public Schools, her neighborhood, and at Silver Star Missionary Baptist Church.

In the late1960s, Mary was selected for a pioneering initiative called New Careerists, a ground breaking “Grow Your Own Teacher” program designed to prepare community members for careers in education. Through this program, she attended the University of Michigan,earning her Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education and social sciences.

Mary went on to teach in the Detroit Public School District, where she served with distinction for

many years. Her commitment to education inspired countless students and colleagues alike.Her students remember her as a compassionate, firm, and inspiring teacher who believed every child could learn and succeed.

Beyond the classroom, Mary and Bob shared a love of bowling and fishing, hobbies they passed on to their children. They also supported their children and the neighborhood children in athletic endeavors: loading up the pickup truck or car to transport teams to track meets and softball games. Some of the family’s fondest memories include fishing trips to Belle Isle and the Detroit River. She was an avid bowler, known for her skill and consistency, and her teams often placed high in league standings—resulting in many trophies proudly displayed at home.

Mary’s devotion to community extended beyond her family and school. She was deeply involved in the Northwestern Goldberg Neighborhood Improvement Association affectionately known as“The Center” where she served as a board member and officer. She worked tirelessly toimprove her neighborhood. She coordinated summer youth programs, organized lunches for children, and even ran bingo games to fund community activities. Her passion for service and her ability to bring people together made her a pillar of the community.A Master Gardener, Mary had a special gift for nurturing plants back to life. Her gardens—lush with color and care—were admired by neighbors and family alike. Her green thumb and gentle spirit turned every space she touched into something beautiful.

Following the passing of her beloved husband, Mary relocated to Georgia to be closer to family and enjoy warmer weather. There, she became an active member of Crawford Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Evans, GA, where she served faithfully in the Kitchen Ministry and quickly became a beloved member of her new church family.

Known for her impeccable sense of style, Mary was affectionately called the “Fashion Police” in her senior community—always ensuring that those around her looked their best. She believed that dignity and self-respect began with presentation, and she modeled that standard every day.

Mary also found sisterhood and strength as a member of Sisters En Arms, a support group for mothers and daughters navigating the journey of care giving. The group provided community and comfort for women sharing similar experiences, a cause dear to Mary’s heart.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harrington Dorsey; her brothers Brooks(Zolena) and Theodore (Alfreda) Fountain, Wade Watts; and her in-laws John (Annie Mae)Dorsey, Jr., Marion (Willie) Tisdale, and George Dorsey. She was also preceded in death by her life long circle of sister-friends—Pauline Wiggins, Mary Koger, Inez Freeman, Martha Jennings,Clara Mae Jenkins (Momma Dot), Ritchie Curry, Lois Tierney, Mattie Jerrel, Mattie Boyd, and many others. 

Mary's legacy will continue through her devoted children Master Gunnery Sargent - USMC Retired Harold “Tommy” (Shelia) Dorsey of Woodbridge, VA; Geneva “Doll” (Clifford) Gardner of Cleveland, OH; Command Sergeant Major - US Army Retired Brenda (Sergeant First Class US Army - Retired Clyde) Ferguson of Evans, GA; Sheila (Stuart) Dorsey-Smith of Bridgeport, MI; and Francetta (Darryl) Anderson of Newman, GA.She is also survived by 15 grandchildren—Ricardo, Jasmine, Trevor, Tierra, and Laina Dorsey; Tenisha, Timothy, Tiffany, and Terrell Gardner; Trumaine, Terrence, and Tavarus Ferguson; Christian, Andrew, and Elizabeth Anderson; 31 great-grandchildren; 3great-great-grandchildren; her lifelong sister Charlotte Sandifer; sister-in-law Pearl Battles,;daughter-in-law Patricia Dorsey, special daughter Janice Glaze and a host of nieces, nephews,extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

Mary Dorsey’s life was one of grace, generosity, and quiet strength. She touched hearts,nurtured minds, and left behind a legacy of faith, service, and love that will live on through her family and all who had the privilege to know her.

“Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.