Dorothy Jean Rawls

Dorothy Rawls was born on December 23rd, 1945 in Parkin, Arkansas to Clarence and Vetter Haywood. Dorothy’s parents moved to Phoenix, Arizona when she was a young girl. Dorothy was the third oldest of 8 children.

Dorothy met her soul mate, and neighbor, Richard Rawls as a young teenager. They were united in marriage on July 17th 1970. To this union they had three children Vernon, Keith and Lisa. She and Richard were also granted the opportunity to raise two grandchildren, three nieces and a nephew who they regarded as their own.

Dorothy was employed with Motorola for several years. She eventually quit her job to become a stay at home mother. During this time, she took up hobbies such as macrame, sewing, shopping and cooking. She especially loved Thanksgiving and Christmas because that is when she would prepare big meals. Anyone who had the pleasure of enjoying her cooking would tell you she had the best pound cake, chicken and greens and boy did she enjoy making it all.

Dorothy gave her life to Christ when she was young. She was an active member of First New Life Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years. She humbly served as both president and vice president of the usher board.

On Friday, November 1, 2024, Dorothy answered God's call home to rest. Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Willie (Tootsie), LC and Lonnie and her sister Ruthie.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her sons Vernon, Keith and daughter Lisa Rawls, sisters Mary Alice, Janice and brother Larry Haywood, host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, aunts, nieces, nephews, friends and unbiological daughters.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 10:30 AM at the First New Life Missionary Baptist Church, 1902 W. Roeser Road, Phoenix, AZ. 85041.

Her funeral will also be at the church from 11:30 AM-1 P.M. with the Pastor Aubrey Barnwell officiating. We will travel in procession to her interment at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 2300 W. Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ. 85009.