Dorothy Breen Williams

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, “Grandma,” Dorothy Breen Williams, 94, of Birmingham, Alabama passed away December 21, 2025. Determined to remain as independent as possible, she passed away peacefully in her home of 57 years, surrounded by her children and loved ones. Throughout the entirety of her life, she blessed each of us with her love, kindness, and devotion. She was a devout Catholic and found strength in her faith; she spent every evening in prayer, considering each of her loved ones and offering prayers for their every need, hope, and trial.. She was especially close to each of her 8 brothers and sisters and enjoyed many adventures with them over the years.

Her husband, Wallace, passed away in 2018. They were such a loving couple for 64 years, having met while Wallace was a student at Vanderbilt University, and Dot a student at the nearby Ward-Belmont (now, Belmont University). She spoke often of being a “city girl,” dating, “a boy from the country.” As the years passed, they created many memories and their love for each other only grew stronger. They instilled this love into their five children, 13 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

Dorothy was a devoted wife and mother. She worked as a preschool teacher and later in her life, she spent much of her time volunteering, tutoring young students in underserved areas of Birmingham. Dorothy simply loved life. She enjoyed daily walks and lunches with friends. She enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with her children and grandchildren, whether it be over a meal, on a cross country trip, or driving all over town to attend their afterschool activities. She looked forward to each and every moment with her family - the births of her great-grandchildren were especially bright occasions in her later life. She was the only one in our family who could remember every single person’s birthday, and her mind was sharp until the end - always eager to discuss current events or the countless books she had recently finished. We will deeply miss her devotion to all of us, but we know that she was ready to be reunited with our “Papa,” Wallace, and all of her brothers and sisters. Her presence will forever be felt in our lives and our hearts, and we know she will continue cheering each of us on from above. Dorothy is survived by her children Mark (Sandi), Wallace (Adele), David (Gina), Stephanie (Quinton), and Michael (Cathy), along with their children and grand-children.

The Mass of the Resurrection for Dorothy will be celebrated by Father Vernon Huguley on December 27th at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Hoover, Alabama. Visitation is at 9:00 a.m., with Mass to follow at 10:00 a.m. A prayer service will follow in Nashville, Tennessee at Marshall Donnelly Combs Funeral Home at noon on December 29th. Dorothy will be laid to rest alongside her husband and other family members at Calvary Cemetery in Nashville. The family is most thankful for those who assisted and cared for our mother during her last year, most especially the staff of Always Best Care Senior Services and Affinity Hospice - they were very devoted and caring.

In lieu of flowers, Dorothy would be honored if you would consider a donation to causes close to her heart: St. Peter’s Church “Collections for the Poor”(http://www.stpeterapostle.com/) or Room in the Inn (http://www.roomintheinn.org/)in Nashville, Tennessee.