Obituary of Dorothy Douglas

Dorothy Dixon Wallace Douglas was born on February 23, 1945 in Virginia to Rosa and John Smith. Both her parents died during her infancy so she was raised by her maternal uncle, Louis "Pop-Pop" Dixon and his wife, Elizabeth "Momma Lizzy" Dixon in Baltimore, Maryland. She was also reared by Pauline Smith and her companion, Mr. Oliver. She departed this life on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. Dorothy aka "Dot" or "Dottie" was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. She was always academically gifted and would share stories of being the first in the family to learn to read, graduate high school and eventually college. She attended Edmonson High, Class of 1963. After graduating high school, Dot married her first love, Ronald William Wallace Sr. (deceased) She had 2 children from this union, Ronald W. Wallace Jr and Denita J. Wallace. Later in life, Dot married Herman Douglas and from this union, she had Herrell A. Douglas Sr. Although Dot was a young working mother, she never gave up her dream to attend college. She enrolled and graduated from Morgan State University in 1968. To get assistance with paying off student loans, Dot began teaching in Baltimore City Public Schools. For 44 years, Dot taught some of the most challenging students, in the most difficult situations, in the poorest areas of Baltimore City. She loved being able to change the course of her student's future by helping them overcome their barriers. While still teaching full time, Dot attended Coppin State College and Johns Hopkins University to earn 2 master's degrees. With a master's degree in Special Education and a focus on Learning Styles, Dot was a pioneer in adapting different and creative techniques to aid children in the learning process. She understood that getting an education was not one size fits all and that oftentimes the environment outside the classroom prevented the child from being successful in the classroom. For decades, Dot would keep extra clothing, hygiene products and washcloths in her classroom closet for children in need. She would have them to come to school early to wash, change and get breakfast. She would bring children to her home after school for a bath, a change of clothes and a good meal. She was even a foster parent for years. Nothing was more important than helping children in need. After retirement, Dot thoroughly enjoyed traveling, attending music concerts and playing pinocle with her friends. Dot was a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theda Sorority, The Red Hatters, The Classy Ladies, C.O.R.D. and a former member of Jack and Jill. She loved going on trips with her friends and never turned down a good road trip! She raised her grandson, Herrell Jr. for a time and was often courtside at her granddaughter, Mykayla's volleyball games. She loved to dance, go thrift shopping and order from QVC. Dot was the life of the party and enjoyed seafood dishes with a glass of Moscato. Her easy smile, infectious laugh and generous spirit will always be remembered. Dot leaves to mourn 3 children: Ronald, Denita and Herrell Sr; Son-in-law Rodney Burrow, Daughter-in-law Le' Che Douglas and 8 grandchildren: Mykayla, Herrell Jr, MeShaeylah, Jamyah, Tamia, Paige, Simone and Hayden and a host of friends Also, in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations are made to the College scholarship fund established in mom's name. Here is the link to the fund: https://fnd.us/31vbce?ref=sh_1AtqM1 A homegoing service for Ms. Douglas will be held on Wednesday, December 22nd at Vaughn Greene Randallstown Chapel, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD where the family will receive friends from 6:00PM-6:30PM with services to follow.