Dorothy Phyllis Douglas

Dorothy Phyllis Douglas, née Evelyn, was born in Clarendon, Jamaica on January 30th, 1932 to her parents May Walker and Reginald Evelyn. She was raised a devout Roman Catholic, and early on she knew she was called to serve the Lord. In her teens, she prepared herself for life in the convent. However, as God would have it, she met her husband, a young, freckled Donald Douglas, and they paved a new life path together.

In her youth, Dorothy attended Suthermere Prep and later pursued secretarial school at Shortwood College. Additionally, she trained in cosmetology and went on to run a successful home salon. Dorothy’s love for flowers and gardening also led her to open her own business, Blooming Elegance, which provided floral displays for weddings and events throughout South Florida. However, when she wasn’t working or gardening, Dorothy could be found at church. It was the joy of her life to be “born again.”

Dorothy was an integral part of the foundation of the First Church of the Open Bible in Lauderdale Lakes, FL. There, she served as a teacher, an intercessor, and most importantly a choir member. Through Open Bible, Dorothy was able to pursue a degree in Theology, and eventually was ordained as a pastor. That spark for learning continued at Temple Aron HaKodesh, where Dorothy explored her family’s Jewish roots and the Jewish roots of her faith.

Dorothy is survived by 6 children, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; but better still, she leaves a legacy of loving the Lord. Whether you knew her as “mom,” “grandma,” “GG,” or Sister Douglas, your life was made better by her persevering kindness.