Dorothy Earlene Washington
February 16, 1950 - July 19, 2025
Born in the small town of Morehouse, Louisiana, Dorothy Earlene Washington came into the world with a spirit of resilience that would define her entire life. She was the beloved daughter of Perry and Gertrude Washington, and one of nine siblings:Rosette Rogers, Etta Fulcher, Ollie Washington, Ethel Washington, Darlene Durr, Lonnie Washington, Lola Edmonds.
Dorothy’s early years were shaped by love, hard work, and heartbreak. After the loss of her mother at just six years old, Dorothy was forever changed. That loss sparked a lifelong journey in faith. Though she carried anger and grief, she also carried curiosity, passion, and a deep need to understand the divine. She often called herself a “religious junkie,” exploring many faiths over the course of her life, from her Baptist roots to her later years in the Mormon Church and beyond.
At just 15 years old, Dorothy became a mother to her son, Sammy Washington. The bond they shared was extraordinary—a love deep and fierce between a mother and son who, in many ways, raised each other. At 18, she left Louisiana for California, determined to build a better life. With the support of her older sister, she raised Sammy while navigating the challenges of young motherhood and the promise of new beginnings.
In the 1980s, two missionaries knocked on Dorothy’s door, and soon after, she joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Within a month, she was baptized and later called to serve an 18-month mission in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her commitment to finding spiritual truth and peace never wavered—her faith was not bound by rules or labels but by the longing to be reunited with her mother one day.
Education was one of Dorothy’s greatest personal triumphs. Though she didn’t finish high school on time, she returned to earn her diploma while in college—working tirelessly for over six years to complete her education. She went on to work for Weber County Mental Health as a case manager, helping clients find food, shelter, medical care, and dignity. She was a fierce advocate, deeply empathetic, and always willing to serve.
Dorothy eventually made Utah her home, where she was soon joined by Sammy and his growing family. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Shelby, Sammy, Niana, Sheldon, Jordan, and Caden. Her grandchildren were the light of her life—her pride, her joy, and her reason to keep going. She filled their lives with love, wisdom, and an endless appreciation for plants, flowers, music, and family. When she was with them, she was whole.
In her later years, Dorothy stepped away from organized religion, embracing instead a sense of spiritual freedom. She spoke often of feeling peace at last, of being free from the constraints that once bound her. As she once wrote:
“I have to say, I have never felt happier than I do now. The real truth really does set you free. There is nothing like feeling happiness and peace. I love the Humanity Party. The real truth is amazing.”
Dorothy lived a long, hard, beautiful life—a life marked by perseverance, self-discovery, and the unshakable strength of a woman who always stood up for herself and those she loved. She taught us to set boundaries, to speak our truths, to keep searching, and to never give up on the things that matter.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, grit, and unwavering devotion to her family. We believe she is now reunited with the parents she missed so deeply, resting in the peace she long sought.
She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Dorothy Earlene Washington was a force of nature — vibrant, bold, and full of life. From an early age, Dorothy had a spark. She loved the outdoors — fishing, swimming, climbing trees, jumping rope, and even sneaking off to hunt when she could get away with it. She especially loved to dance. One of our favorite childhood games was the hand-slapping game to the tune of Mary Mack, seeing who would be the last one standing, laughing all the way.She had a fearless streak even as a little girl — like the time we were told not to go swimming, but did anyway, thinking we had someone keeping lookout for Daddy. Of course, the lookout got distracted watching us splash around, and we got caught. That was Dorothy: brave, bold, and always up for a little adventure.
As she grew older, that boldness became a defining part of who she was. Dorothy didn’t back down from challenges. She stood up for what she believed in, always with strength, grace, and an unshakable determination. She showed us all what it meant to keep going, even when life got hard — including when she went back to school later in life and earned her bachelor’s degree. It wasn’t easy, but she stuck with it and made her dream a reality. That was Dorothy — resilient, driven, and full of heart.
Dorothy believed in love, family, and connection. No matter where life took her, we always stayed close. We grew older, but we never grew apart. We shared laughter, memories, and a bond so deep it didn’t need words. Sometimes, it felt like we could read each other’s thoughts — that’s the kind of sister she was.
Today, our family chain has lost another precious link. It broke our hearts to lose her, but we find comfort in knowing that one day, God will call each of us home, and the chain will be whole again.
Dorothy, your memory lives on in every story, every laugh, and every loving moment we shared. Though we can no longer see you, we carry you with us — forever in our hearts.
You will be deeply missed, my dear sister. But more than that, you will always be remembered.
-From her sister Darlene Durr-
In Loving Memory
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