Dorothy Harvey Williams

Dorothy H. Williams (Dottie) of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully the afternoon of July 25 with family by her side. Dottie was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee to William and Clara Harvey on September 29, 1939. Dottie graduated Murfreesboro High School and immediately left home to start an adventure working for the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C. It was during this time, as a single, independent young woman Dottie met the love of her life, Emory B. Williams where they happened to live at the same boarding house in Washington, D.C. They were married in 1958 and the following year Dottie gave birth to her first born son, Brian Williams. The family moved back to Florida where Emory was from and Dottie had her second son, Kerry Williams. The family roots were firmly planted in Tallahassee, Florida and Dottie proceeded to manage the household, the two boys and support Emory’s career in law enforcement. For many years Dottie had interests working with the Florida Legislature, she become a travel agent, took up ball room dancing with Emory and was a social (but competitive) bridge player. In the late 1970’s Dottie played an instrumental role in the founding of the Institute for Intergovernmental Research with Emory - and for many years handled finance, payroll, travel and a myriad of other tasks as the company grew from 2 founders to several hundred employees. Dottie was a trustee of the Board until 2022 when she retired from the business. From the eyes of her two sons, they could not have been more appreciative of their mom as she welcomed the boy’s brides (Laurie and Jennifer) into the Williams’ family. Dottie always took time to share her knowledge and advice in a manner that could only be described as supportive, helpful and created a stronger sense of family among the extended Williams clan. And then there were Dottie's three grandchildren - Tyler, Dylan and Ryan. Her grandchildren gave her a special pride and happiness in life and they were happy to reciprocate the feelings back to “grammy”. Dottie was always available, often flying thousands of miles at a moments notice to assist the boys and Jennifer when life presented its little emergencies. “The boys” as Dottie called her three grandchildren are grateful to have had Dottie in their lives. Dottie was preceded in death by her husband Emory, and her father and mother. Dottie is survived by her two sons Brian (Laurie) and Kerry (Jennifer) along with the three grandsons: Tyler, Dylan and Ryan, and her brother Ernest Harvey. The family is having a celebration to honor Dottie’s life and celebrate the wonderful memories on Friday, August 9, from 10:00 am to 12 noon. Location is 3049 Sawgrass Circle in Killearn Estates (Tallahassee). Todd Wahlquist is assisting the Williams family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

Tributes

Dorothy Harvey Williams

September 29, 1939 - July 25, 2024