Dorothy Mae Brazley's Obituary
Dorothy Mae Brazley departed her life on March 25, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. She was blessed to have constant communications with all her children, grandchildren and little sister during her transition. As her spirit left her physical body, she smiled so Patrice would be able to tell everyone she lived a blessed life and would be okay.
Her parents, Kathleen and Otis Hooper, celebrated the birth of their daughter Dorothy Mae Hooper on October 1, 1940 in Lyon, Mississippi. Lyon is located in Coahoma County Mississippi which is the County her grandparents and Collin family members resided in. Her older brother Odtis Sonny Hooper (deceased), was also born to this union. Dorothy’s two older sibling Johnnie Mae Miles (deceased) and Joseph Hudson where born from Kathleen’s marriage to James Hudson. From Kathleen’s last marriage to Charlie Newson Dorothy had three younger sibling Jarvis Newson, Alfreda Newson and Edgar Newson (deceased); five stepsibling Charles Newson (deceased), RC Newson (deceased), Ethel Newson (deceased), Pearline Newson of Chicago, IL and Ella Mae Newson of Albany, NY
Her Christian training began as a child and she accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age. Dorothy attended several churches in Mississippi, Tennessee, California and Texas before making Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church her church home in May 1993. She was the Treasurer of the Sunday school. Upon taking that job Dorothy raised the Sunday school fund from less than a dollar to over $900.00. Her hobbies were solving puzzles, watching game shows, going to church, reading the bible and enjoying her family.
In August 1959 Dorothy married Kermit Brazley in Memphis, Tennessee. They migrated to San Diego, California in 1960. From this union Dorothy gave birth to three daughters and one son which she raised in Los Angeles, California. Dorothy went on to work for and retire from the Los Angeles County School District. After her husband’s death she lived with her daughters Sheila in California and then Patrice in Texas.
Dorothy’s husband, Kermit Brazley and her granddaughter Monea Scott (infant), preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory: three daughters, Patrice (James) Riley of Desoto, TX; Sheila Brazley (Money) of Carson, CA; Sandra (Charles) Henderson of Lancaster, CA; son Lorenzo (Bridget) Brazley of Rancho Cucamonga, CA. One sister Alfreda Weeks of Memphis, TN; two stepsisters Pearline Newson of Chicago, IL and Ella Mae Newson of Albany, NY. Two brothers Joseph Hudson of Albany, NY and Jarvis Newson of Memphis, TN. Sister-in-laws Rosie Tina Hooper, Dorothy Laverne Brazley, Vasthi Powell, and Ardelia Cagnolatti. Ten grandchildren Jasmine (Karl) Wesley, Jaime (Rainey) Sternes, Jayda Riley; Shamecia (Jermel) Jones, Leonard (Kamico) Brown, Nyisha Brazley, Angela Brazley, Krystal Brazley, Money Scott and Moneka Scott. Seven great grandchildren Kamden, Karter, and Kyrin Wesley, Riley Sternes, Janel Jones, Jazel Jones; Davion Walker, Amari Williams and a host of nieces, nephews, adopted daughters-sons-grandchildren, relatives and friends. Special family friends Joyce and Abe Cooper Sr. who cared for and remained by her side for many years.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Douglas High School Scholarship Fund in memory of their loved one. This donation will be given to college students to assist with the purchase of books.
Douglas High School Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Dorothy Mae Brazley
1310 Indian Creek Drive
Desoto, Texas 75115
Cards can be sent to:
The family of Dorothy Mae Brazley
c/o Patrice Riley
1310 Indian Creek Drive
Desoto, Texas 75115
“Only My Body Died”
I've come by once more to see you.
To bring you comfort in some way.
To let you know that I'm alright.
Because I'm with God today.
1see the tears you're crying.
And I know you hurt inside
But please try to remember
That only my body died.
My soul is strong and healthy.
My spirit is happy and free.
And I know you'll keep alive
All the good memories of me.
My old life was full of struggle.
I knew pain and I knew fear.
But that day when I left you
Jesus whispered in my ear
He said "Its time to come home
And I've made you a special place"
Then He reached His hand out to me.
And He had a smile on His face.
Oh, I'm sorry to see you hurting.
And it's sad to see you cry.
But think about the promise of Jesus
When He said "only your body will die."
I will never really leave you.
I promise I'll be watching from above
And you can believe forever
That I'll send you all my love.
So, don't weep about my struggles.
And don't worry about my past.
I'm here in a place of joy
And I've found that peace at last.
I wish I could wipe away your tears
And mend the hurt you feel inside.
But please find comfort when I say
It was only my body that died.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorothy?
Share a story where Dorothy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorothy you’ll never forget.
How did Dorothy make you smile?