Mrs. Dorothy Wilson Gerald was born June 3, 1952 in Mullins, South Carolina. She was the sixth of eleven children of the late Horace Wilson, Sr. and Mrs. Eliza Pressley Wilson. Dorothy took her heavenly wings on Saturday February 27th, 2021 at MUSC.
At an early age she joined Beulah United Methodist Church. Expressing her love for God in her church, she served as President of the United Methodist Women, on the financial committee, on the Board of Trustees, Vacation Bible school teacher and Chairperson of the Administrative Council.
Dorothy graduated Salutatorian from Palmetto High School in Mullins, SC. In 1970. After graduating, she attended South Carolina State University, where she was an honor graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education. While at South Carolina State University she joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was a member of the Home Economics Club, NAACP, and the Sojourner Truth Hall Club.
She started her teaching career in Home Economics Education in 1974 at South Florence High School. In 1975, she began teaching at West Florence High School. Feeling the need to advance her career, she was awarded a Master of Science Degree in Home Economics Education in 1982. In 1994, the school of Home Economics changed to Family and Consumer Science and she taught Child Development classes. While at West Florence High School, she was the advisor to the Future Homemakers of America Club. She had several students to place as national officers which took them to conventions across the USA. She also started the Sensational Knight Steppers Step Team to promote healthy extracurricular activities for students to have a positive outlet. They performed and were recognized in local competitions and neighboring states. She was an advisor for the Homecoming Committee at West Florence for many years. She also worked with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Gems at West Florence as well. She participated in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Club. Every February, Dorothy and a few students cooked a fabulous meal for the faculty and staff at West Florence in celebration of Black History Month.
Dorothy was a dedicated teacher in the Florence school district for over 46 years. Dorothy's hobbies included sewing and cooking. She was an excellent seamstress. She made many bridal gowns, pageant, and prom dresses for individuals throughout Florence and surrounding areas. Besides being a teacher, seamstress, and wonderful orator, she also had a love affair with cooking. Many people enjoyed a scrumptious meal when Dorothy was in the kitchen, “Dorothy could make a pot sing!!” What gave her the most joy was spending quality time and traveling with family, especially her children and grandchildren.
Dorothy was married to the late Robert Dale Gerald and to this union they were blessed with two children. Dorothy was a devoted wife, a superb mother, and a super exceptional grandmother. She was the “CENTER” of our family. In our family, we all rallied around her because she was such a “Joy!”
Also, preceding Dorothy in death were her sister, Frances Jackson; and her two brothers, George Wilson and Leroy Wilson.
Those left to cherish Mrs. Gerald’s memories and legacy are her daughter, Roberta (Ricardi) Ellison of Charlotte NC; her son Marcus (Shana) Gerald of Florence, SC; four grandchildren, Dorian, Jaylen, Kiya and Sydney; her great-grandchild, Aubree Gerald, all whom she loved dearly; four sisters, Ms. Mary H. Wilson of East Orange, NJ, Mrs. Wanda W. Tutt of Aiken, SC, Ms. Geraldine Wilson of Augusta, GA, and Ms. Linda F. Wilson of Columbia, SC; three brothers, Horace (Sylvia) Wilson, Jr. of East Orange, NJ, Halbert (Toni) Wilson, Sr. of Patterson NJ, and Albert (Claudette) Wilson of Mullins, SC; two devoted friends, Ms. Vonita Williamson of Mullins, SC, and Richard Brunson of Mullins, SC; also a special thanks to Gregory Harris for assisting Dorothy and being the “big” brother Marcus needed; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
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