Dorothy Jean Nesbitt

Dorothy was born on July 27, 1939 in Spartanburg, South Carolina to the late Henry Nesbitt and Willie Anna Nesbitt. Initially raised in the Baptist Church, she converted to Catholicism at St. Francis Xavier Church in the mid 1960’s and was an active member until her health declined.

Dorothy married Bobby Nesbitt, her high school sweetheart, in 1957 after completing high school. They moved to Washington, D.C. that year. From their union, they had three children, Bobby Nesbitt, Anthony Nesbitt, and Dr. Michaele Nesbitt-Johnson (Carl). Their marriage ended in divorce.

Dorothy married long-time friend Dr. Merl Nesbitt in 1982. Together they continued to pursue academic dreams and goals and engaged in extensive travel.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her sisters, Barbara Nesbitt and Clara Pearline Carter, brother Henry Louis Nesbitt, husband Dr. Merl Nesbitt, and grandchildren Sherrell Price and Antonio Taylor.

Dorothy earned an Associate in Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Science in Accounting. She worked in various Federal government agencies to include, HUD, Walter Reed, and EEOC, for thirty-seven years.

Dorothy leaves behind cherished memories in the hearts of her children, grandchildren (John Watts, Juanice Fisher, Keisha Taylor, Seth Nesbitt, Ian Nesbitt, Joel Nesbitt, Morgan Johnson, JD, Dr. Courtney Johnson, and Cameron Johnson), greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, additional family and friends.

Dorothy would also want you to know a few additional highlights of her life:

• One of her most memorable Toastmasters presentations (she was the President of Toastmasters International within her agency) addressed why her last name never changed over the years; her maiden name was Nesbitt, first husband’s last name was Nesbitt (no relation), and second husband’s last name was Nesbitt (no relation).

• Awarded an Art Scholarship for college; however, at the time her priority was to marry and have a family.

• Worked on both the Obama presidential campaign and Obama re-election campaign.

• Loved flowers and created the most beautiful flower gardens wherever she lived.

• Wrote poetry with some being published.

• Visiting Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, at least annually.

• Touring Europe with Michaele’s family and attending Sunday Mass at the Vatican, walking up Mt. Vesuvius, and strolling through Pompeii.

On January 22, 2026, services will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. S.E. Washington, D.C.

Viewing at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.

Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd, Clinton, MD.

Donations can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.