Dorothy L. Cook was born on August 20, 1943, to the late George McNair, Jr and Alice Francis Drayton in Laurinburg, NC. Her mother later moved to New York and married Esley Davis, Sr. would raised both her and her siblings. She received her formal education through the New York City Public School System. She graduated from City College of New York, obtaining a formal degree that certified her to teach. Dorothy devoted over twenty years of her life to the service of educating children as a high school teacher, teaching offset printing and graphic design (Sarah J. Hale High School & Brooklyn Technical High School). She enjoyed children and teaching so much that after retiring and relocating to Springfield, Massachusetts, she continued to serve children within the Springfield Public School System.
Dorothy was very active in her worship and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in July 1986. She was often found devoting her time to sharing the good news about God’s Kingdom with others. One of her fondest moments of service was learning Swahili to share God’s Kingdom message to others in their native tongue.
Dorothy had a vibrant personality where people were naturally drawn to her and often referred to her as ‘Aunt Dorothy.’ She loved to crochet, sing, and spend time with family and friends.
On Thursday, April 21, 2022, Dorothy sadly passed away with family by her side and will forever be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and sister. She was preceded in death by her father, George McNair, Jr., her stepfather, Esley Davis, Sr., her mother, Alice Francis Drayton (Davis), her brothers, Morisell McNair and Esley Davis, Jr., and her son Darryl E. Cook.
Dorothy’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children: Vincent Cook of Brooklyn, NY, and Nichole R. Cook of Agawam, MA; Grandchildren: Darryl T. Powell of Upper Marlboro, MD, and Shaquoia M. Bishop of Brooklyn, NY; Great Grandchild:
Gerard D. Brown of Brooklyn, NY; Siblings: Blondell McNair of Springfield, MA, Gloria McNair of Brooklyn, NY, Jesse T. Davis of Brooklyn, NY, and Edgar R. Davis (Trina) of Feeding Hills, MA and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Dorothy had a firm belief in the resurrection hope and living forever on a paradise earth. She looked forward to the promise that death, mourning, and pain would be no more (Rev 21:4).
A gathering to honor Dorothy will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 1:00-2:00 pm, with a memorial service at 2:00 pm at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation on 220 North Main Street in East Longmeadow. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com.
To view the livestreaming of Dorothy's services, please click here.