Dorothy Mae Sams

She attended William Penn Elementary, Jacob Bond Middle School and graduated from Harper High School in Chicago. She had the opportunity to graduate a year early from Harper High but opted to stay with her friends. "She was a special case." She graduated in 1971.

She attended Olive Harvey Junior College and then on to Chicago State University where she received her Bachelor of Education degree with a minor in Special Education degree with a minor in Special Education. Since she was a "special case and especially touched" she felt this would be beneficial to her

She was united in matrimony to Robert Hatcher, Sr. in April 1975. To this union was born Robert Djuan and DaShun Lamar.

While in Chicago she was employed by Amoco. Dorothy left Chicago for greener pastures. Although she moved to Texas in 1991 the pasture was so large she lost her way, but her parents spiritual guidance did not depart from her. She joined The Potter's House and sang in the Bishop's Choir. While in the choir she did a "solo"... she sang soo low you couldn't hear her. She married Walter Biddle, but shortly thereafter left and went her own way.

She was exuberant, outgoing and full of life. She intended to live her life to the fullest no matter what others thought. She was an entrepreneur at heart. She founded Christian Travel Connection because she wanted to travel the world.

As a world traveler and travel agent she was able to make her dreams come true. She was the only person we knew who "stayed broke" and traveled the world. She traveled from coast to coast and visited many countries in between.

Dorothy spoke her mind and did not bite her tongue. She would "tell you where to go" with her sarcastic humor and "half smile" (like her Dad) on her face.

Of her many experiences and colorful past, one of her most joyous experiences was working for the Job Corp. She remarked it was like being an artist and creating masterpieces. She inspired teens who needed a second chance to find their way. When they downsized because of funding, she started working for the Dallas School system.

While teaching in the elementary school with the third graders she said she wanted younger students because she was going to "beat them down." (There she goes being special again). In June 2016, Dorothy retired from the Lancaster School District.

Three months after her retirement, Dorothy took the ultimate retirement plan and departed this life on Sunday, September 11, 2016, the same date of her Mom's birthday.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Two son, Robert Djuan and DaShun Lamar Hatcher; two grandchildren, Alexis and Robert Djuan (D.J.); father, Bishop Solomon Sams, Sr.; four brothers, Willie Verdell (Meller), Robert Earl (Patricia), Solomon, Jr. (Nancy), Pastor Samuel (Bonita), five sisters, Shirley, Rosie (James), Geraldine, Barbara and Dorena; two-sister cousins, Sara and Doris; twenty-eight nieces and nephews; three uncles, Pastor Willie (Wren), Earl (Inez), Henry (Josephine); two aunts, Rose Dixon (Frank) and Rachel, Walter and stepson Steven, and a host of cousins and friends.