Dorothy Lee Shorter

Dorothy Lee Shorter was born on August 15, 1959 in Dyersburg, Tennessee to the union of Alonzo and Versie Lee Fowlkes. Dorothy had nine older siblings: Rose Moore (Darwin), Anne Hester, Emma Jean Nash (Ted), Annie Mae Huggins, Lonnie Fowlkes (Flora Jean), Rawlin Fowlkes (Connie), Clifford Fowlkes (Dera), and Annette Fowlkes. Although Dorothy was the baby girl of nine siblings, she was always taking care of everyone else. Even in her final days, she was still worrying about everyone else and making sure that her friends, family, and tax clients were taken care of.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her loving parents Alonzo and Versie Lee Fowlkes. Dorothy leaves to cherish her loving husband Ben Shorter; two adoring daughters Tamara Acles (Jerry) and Nikki Galberth (John); two step daughters Patrina Pettry (Matthew) and Nicole Sanders; twelve joyful grandchildren: Stacey, Kemarnie, Jaszmyne, Charmaine, Jerrion, Terrianna, Monay, Elias, Jedidiah, Mia, Amara and Ey’ncee; three beautiful God children: Shaunti Howard, Errol Johnson Jr., and Tasha Dennis; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Dorothy attended South Mountain High School after arriving in Arizona in 1975. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from University on August 31, 2001 and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix on February 29, 2004. Dorothy used her degrees in her personal and professional endeavors. Dorothy worked at the YMCA with the Achievers Program for several years where she helped many high school students achieve their goals of attending college. When Dorothy was not helping her achievers, she was working on her side business as a tax professional.

Dorothy was a devoted Christian and loved God with all of her heart. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Alexis Thomas has been Dorothy’s church home for the last two decades. Dorothy considers Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church to be her home and family. This is where she has found peace and comfort in times of hurt and happiness.

Dorothy was a loyal, loving, and dedicated woman to her family and friends. All who knew Dorothy knew that she was a strong and take charge person who always stepped up to the plate wherever and whenever help was needed. This is why she was so accomplished in her personal and business relationships. Dorothy will forever be remembered and honored by all who loved her because she was truly an angel on earth.