Dora Kate Calizaire

Dora was born on Saturday, October 8th, 1932 in Cordele, Georgia to Levi and Lucille (Kaigler) McClendon. She grew up in Montezuma, Georgia. In her early adult years, she moved to Brunswick, Georgia. Herbert and Dennis were born shortly after. Looking for better opportunities, Dora moved to Brooklyn, New York and started working for New York State Office of Mental Retardation/ Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD). A couple of years later, Keisha was born joining her two siblings. For professional advancement, Dora passed her high school equivalency exam, continued her education, and completed a Bachelors in Psychology from the College of New Rochelle in 1986. Committed to making an impact, Dora retired from the New York State OMRDD after working over 35 years. Surprisingly, she continued to work with the Developmentally Disabled various mental health institutions for an additional 10 years post retirement. After her move to Jacksonville, Florida, Dora was a member of The Northeast Florida Foster & Adoptive Parent Association. She opened her home to over 20 foster children.

Dora was a lover of dance, travel, education, and children. She enjoyed hosting, her home was the center of celebrations. She was known for her kind, honest, compassionate spirit, and she had an infectious smile.

Dora was preceded in death by her father Levi, mother Lucille, and beloved younger brother Willie Hill McClendon. She is survived by her children, Herbert Cornelius Garrison, Dennis James Garrison, Keisha Ann Calizaire-Saintil (Michael), ex-husband/best friend Osnald Calizaire (Ygnacia), six grandchildren, Shadée (Keisha), Corey (Dennis), Lexus (Keisha), Moesha (Herbert), Donnie (Herbert), Courtney (Dennis), a much-loved sister-in-law Nancy Lumpkin McClendon. Her nephews and nieces: Willie Edward McClendon, Kenneth McClendon, Tyrone McClendon, Danny (Raquel) McClendon, Andrew (Michelle) McClendon, Warren (Joyce) McClendon, and Nancy Yvette (Willis) Yates. She had a myriad of great –nephews/ nieces, cousins, and friends.

Special thanks to her first cousin Dot Arnold and the best neighbors that we consider our family, William and Stephanie Fisher and family for their constant caring and support throughout the years.

Viewing will be held on Monday, June 1st, 2020 from 12pm-1pm in the Sanctuary of Memories at Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Funeral and final resting place will be at the same location.