Dorothy Jean King aka "Dottie K"

Dorothy Jean King, age 89, of Toledo, Ohio, peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Born in Searcy, Arkansas, and as a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, she moved to Toledo, Ohio in December 1955 where she met her loving husband Priest. They married in 1956.

Dorothy was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a true southern woman—gracious and kind, yet strong-willed and direct, with a heart full of wisdom and unwavering devotion to her family.

Dorothy built a fulfilling career as a professional secretary, known for her diligence and strong work ethic. Beyond her professional life, she was a master seamstress who created some of the sharpest outfits with style and grace. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, bowling, reading, music and dancing. One of her greatest joys was traveling with her beloved husband and spending time with friends as part of the Windjammers Van Club.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Annie Bell (Smith) Washington; her brothers Daniel, Adaire, Porter, Douglas and Timothy, and her sister Louise (Clay). She is survived by her eldest sister Katherine (Bronson); her loving husband Priest King Jr.; sons Priest, Ellex, Theron, and Russell; daughter Rhonda (King) Fleming; granddaughter Adia Fleming; sister-in-law Patsy (wife of Timothy); and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends who cherished her honesty, humor, and strength.

A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Greater Harvest Baptist Church, 1524 Fernwood Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43607. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM, with the service following at 3:00 PM. A repass will follow. There will be no cemetery service.

Dorothy’s favorite color was green so we would like for attendees to wear a green article of clothing or accessory of your choosing.

In honor of Dorothy’s love for plants and her green thumb, in lieu of flowers, feel free to contribute a plant of your choice.

Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Greater Harvest Baptist Church. The family is deeply grateful for your love, prayers, and support during this time of mourning and remembrance.

Scriptures of Comfort:

“Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”— 2 Corinthians 5:6–9 (KJV)

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”— Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”— Matthew 5:4 (NIV)