Dorothy Clemens Jeffrey

Dorothy Lou Clemens “Dottie” Jeffrey was born in Wilkinsburg, PA, on July 9, 1928. She peacefully passed into eternal rest amidst local family on July 23, 2023 in Dublin, OH, where she had resided since 2017. She was the daughter of the late Ruth Elizabeth Denton and the late Harry Clemens of Altoona, PA. Dottie grew up in Dormont, PA, and graduated from Dormont High School in 1946. She continued her education at the University of Pittsburgh graduating in 1950 with a BS in Education and certified to teach kindergarten through 8th grade. While at Pitt she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Her first teaching assignment was with Pittsburgh Public Schools teaching first grade at Beechwood School in Beechview. Before the 1950-51 school year was complete, she married James Charles Jeffrey also of Dormont. Following completion of his overseas service in the U.S. Army, they moved into their first home in Mt. Lebanon, PA. Upon the birth of their first child in 1955, she took an extended break from teaching to raise a family. She resumed teaching in 1968 within the Chartiers Valley School District serving at three different elementary schools – Cook, Bower Hill, and Washington – over the next 20 years. She once said, “Most people don’t know that I spent 24 years in first grade.” Dottie loved the outdoors. As a self-acknowledged tomboy, she spent her youth searching the creeks and springs of Dormont for salamanders, crayfish, and watercress. She carried forth this love of nature as a Girl Scout, and later as a summer camp counselor in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia during her teenage and young adult years. Dottie was a charter member of Mt. Lebanon Christian Church where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. More recently she began her longtime membership in Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church where she also sang in the choir. She remained active in her Tri Delta Chapter, the Mt. Lebanon College Club, Chartiers Valley Teachers Federation, Dormont HS Class of ’46 Reunion Committee, and P.E.O. for most of her adult life. She lived in the family’s home in Scott Township for 58 years. She sang in multiple civic and church choirs, loved to sew, played bridge, and doted on her grandchildren. To keep fit she walked daily and was an avid line dancer. Above all else Dottie was known for her kindness which brought joy to so many – family, friends, and strangers alike – over the course of her 95 years. She was predeceased by her parents, husband of 53 years, and stepfather (F. Church Stockdale). She is survived by her sister, Virginia Ruth Clemens Thomas of Ross Twp., PA, her children, James D. (Melody) of Virginia Beach, VA, and Ann James of Dublin, OH, her grandchildren, Lauren James of Jersey City, NJ, Ben James (Maggie) of Columbus, OH, Grace Jeffrey of Los Angeles, CA, and Elizabeth Jeffrey of Virginia Beach, as well as two nieces and a nephew. In accordance with her desires, Dorothy was cremated. Accordingly, there will be no viewing or visitation. A celebration of life will be held at Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church at a later date. Interment will follow at Mt. Lebanon cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mt. Lebanon UMC, located at 3319 West Liberty Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Honoring her ardent love of music, all donations will go towards Mt. Lebanon UMC’s “Friends of Music Fund,” or you may donate to Capital City Hospice at https://capitalcityhospice.com/donate/