Dorothy Virginia McPherson

Dorothy Virginia McPherson, “Dottie” as she was called by family and close friends, was born November 17, 1931 to the late Hampton and Claudia Franklin in Lynchburg, Virginia. She was the first born of this union and as such carried the mantle for her siblings. Dorothy entered into eternal rest on Monday, December 28, 2015 at the Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, Maryland.

As a young child, Dorothy received her early education in the public schools of Campbell County, Virginia. Dorothy left Lynchburg in 1950 for the historically black college experience at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. It was there she met and married her soulmate, Owen Spencer McPherson, Sr. Dorothy and Owen were married in 1953 and remained soulmates and best friends for 62 years. From this wonderful union came three sons: Owen Jr., Carl, and Jason.

Shortly after moving to Washington, D.C., Dorothy joined her husband in membership at Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church where she served in multiple ministries, and was a loyal and active member until her death. She was also a proud member of the Iota Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dorothy’s diverse educational background included a Bachelor of Science Degree from North Carolina A & T State University, a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree from Howard University and advanced graduate work at George Washington University. With her strong background and tenacity, Dorothy excelled in Mathematics education and taught multiple generations for over forty years with the District of Columbia Public School System. Her tour of duty included teaching assignments at Garnet Patterson and Roper Middle Schools. Dorothy loved teaching mathematics and was always busy finding additional resources to motivate her students.

Dorothy loved the Lord and her family. She liked to entertain at family gatherings. She was the “baker” of the family and always showcased the best rolls and cheesecakes in the Metropolitan Area. Her decorations always included some form of pink and green. Dorothy enjoyed a good “card game” of Bid Whist and also took delight in reading, sewing and local and abroad travels. Dorothy loved her church family and this love was reciprocated during her illness. Members of the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church showered her with encouragement and prayers.

She leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Owen Jr. (Sonja), Carl (Theresa Stich), and Jason (Theresa); one grandson, Spencer; three sisters, Hazel Franklin, Margaret Pritchett (Archie), and Alice Franklin-Rier; PhD., and nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, numerous cousins, and friends.