Dortha Mae Wilson

Dortha Mae Wilson passed away the morning of Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at the age of 95. She was one of ten children born to Rev. Alex Newton Jones and Mary (Cash) Jones. Born in Galesburg, Missouri, she spent her early years living a farm life in Missouri and Arkansas before her family moved to Bakersfield, CA in 1943, when Dortha was 15 years old.

Upon moving to Bakersfield, Dortha attended Bakersfield High School, which was quite a change for her from her small-town school. She met Calvin Wilson during her high school years, when he had just gotten out of the service. They married in 1947, when she was 19 years old.

Playing the piano was one of Dorthas greatest joys. She was a charter member of the Harmony Baptist Church in Lamont, CA, and was their pianist for 55 years. She taught herself how to play the piano originally by ear and then taught herself how to read music. She loved to share her piano bench with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren while they would watch and listen to her play.

She spent many years working retail and eventually opened her own clothing store. Dortha’s Fashions was on the corner of Ming Avenue and South H Street. She prided herself on offering a wide variety of high-quality women’s fashions.

Dortha is survived by her three grandchildren, Kendra Murphy of Bakersfield, CA, Cameron Wilson of Charleston, MO, and Aaron Wilson of Seneca, MO, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin, her son, Ron, and her sisters and brothers.