A Family Remembers

Dorothy Lee Dorsey Bratton

"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under Heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest."

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2 New Living Translation

Dorothy Lee Dorsey Bratton, known fondly to her family and friends as "Dot" and to her daughter and sons as Mom, departed this life on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. The seasons of Dot's life spanned eighty-eight years. During that life, she graced and charmed those who knew her, leaving an indelible imprint on the lives of others with her class and unique persona.

Dorothy was born in Winnsboro, South Carolina on September 3, 1932, to Ben and Delsine Dorsey. She was the youngest girl of nine children. In the beginning she grew up attending Black Jack Baptist Church accepting Christ as her savior at an early age, which continued throughout her days. As she grew up in Winnsboro, she met David Bratton, Jr. In fact, they lived on the same street, went to the same public school and were in the same class from the very beginning of their school years. Even though both sets of parents had hoped they would go on to college and meet other people, romance was always in the air, and the two of them were inseparable. Dot and David were married on December 31, 1951. To this union was born Andrena (Drena) Virginia Bratton, David Mitchell (Mitch) Bratton, and Kevin (Kevin) Dorsey Bratton.

Dorothy was educated in the public schools of Winnsboro in Fairfield County, South Carolina. After graduating from Fairfield High School, she went on to North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina where she received her Bachelor's degree in education. She then continued her education and completed her Master's degree from South Carolina State University in English education. Dot quickly applied her education and sought to share her knowledge with others, so she applied to and accepted a job in Calhoun County, Georgia and worked there for twelve years. During that time in Georgia, Dorothy taught English, French, drama and speech. She was truly a unique and exceptional teacher. While in Georgia, she made many contributions to the profession by winning several awards in competitions with her drama students. After several years in Georgia, David joined her in education after his duty in the United States Air Force. After working in Georgia, she, David and Drena moved to Charlotte, North Carolina; however, for two years she taught school in Rock Hill, South Carolina at Emmett Scott High School. After leaving Emmett Scott she went on to teach at North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville, North Carolina until she retired.

Dot led an active life and joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where she was a member of the choir for many years. She dearly loved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority where she was a member of the Ivy Hall of Fame in the Alpha Lambda Omega Chapter, and her commitment to the organization was evident throughout her years of service. After fifty years of service in Alpha Lambda Omega Chapter, she became a Golden Soror. Dorothy was also a member of the Charlotte Chapter of National Epicureans, Inc. where she once held the national office of recording secretary. She was truly tireless in her dedication to service and to working with others in both organizations.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter, Andrena Blake (Stephen) of Woodbridge, Virginia; two sons – David Mitchell Bratton (Kecha) of Huntersville, NC; Kevin Dorsey Bratton (Harriet), of Charlotte, NC; eight grand-children, one sister-in-law, Betty Dorsey of Winnsboro, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and special friends.