My best memories are of taking dance with Candie and Bambie Braiden at Dorothy Willard school of dance in the late 1960's and 70's.   Dorothy and her mom working on costumes before a big performance. So thankful she was a part of my life.

I was her student in the 1950s when I was seven and eight. I have wonderful memories of the big end of the year productions - Wizard of Oz and Pinocchio. She was a very important part of my life and I'll always remember her and the piano player, Mrs. Pickering as I recall. She leaves a wonderful legacy.

So sorry to read this so late.  I think about my days at Dorothy's studio (later with Bambi) as a time that made me feel like I was a truly special part of the world. The girls were treated as family,  every one of them a beauty.  Thank you,  Dorothy for providing the opportunity for so many girls to be so many fascinating characters through dance!

Dorothy was a pioneer and a visionary in Dance. She created the Junior and Senior Teaching Assistant Program, which inspired many of her students to go on to teaching careers of their own in Dance, Gymnastics, Cheer leading, and other various fields...She was the first to offer Pas de Deux classes, which soon blossomed over into the various Ballet Companies in the area, and she was the only one ever in the Jacksonville area to teach Adagio...Some of her students also went on to professional careers in Dance... Dorothy was such a joy and an inspiration to so many of us, and we will always remember those times we spent there with her in the studio, in recitals, and in other entertainment venues as some of the best times of our lives. We will miss you Dorothy, and Thank You for giving so much of yourself to all of us.....Love, Mary Gouchnour Hudson and the entire Gouchnour Family.

She was the a very important person in my life! My child hood was a very happy place with lots of loving fun memories of dancing! Walking from St Matthews to the studio at 8,9, & 10 years old to wait for Dorothy and Memaw at the studio. Her memory will live on in all of us she to touched! Lauri Blackford McEachern

She will always be a big part of my life. I will always cherish and hold her in my memories always.  She was an inspiration and brought joy to so many.  Rest in peace.  Judy Pierce

She was elegant! I was a student of Dorothy's from 1972 until I graduated from Orange Park High School in 1983. Through dance and the inspiration of her studio I developed the confidence that has served me well through the years. So sad to hear of her passing, but now she gets to dance with the angels!

I was a student of Dorothy's for many years.  I have some really fond memories of the recitals and costumes, etc.  She will be setting the stage in heaven.
Sharon (Threatt) Armstrong

So sad to hear of Dorothy's passing. I danced with her from 1967 until I graduated from Orange Park High School in 1981. I went on to be a FSU cheerleader, taught acro over the years, danced in church and most recently was a cheerleading coach for Beaches Chapel school. I can never thank Dorothy enough for her kind and encouraging words. She really had a gift for making children feel special. She made an impact on this world. Praying for you and your family as you say goodbye. God bless you Dorothy and thank you for your commitment to share your love of dance with the children of the Jacksonville community! With Love and Sympathy.

OBITUARY

Dorothy Warren Willard

July 1, 1920 – May 21, 2014

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