Elijah "Lili" Williams Dotson

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” -Hebrews 13:2

Elijah Mae Williams Dotson, the fourth child of loving parents Clarence Odie Williams, Sr. and Matilda Morris Williams, was born on November 8, 1937. Elijah (Lili) grew up in one of the first racially diverse neighborhoods in Austin. However, due to existing laws, she was required to attend the “original” L.C. Anderson High School, Austin’s only high school to serve black students at the time. While at Anderson, Lili became an active and accomplished student. She earned honor roll status, sang in the choir, performed on dance teams, and was selected as “Girl of the Year” for 1955.

After graduation, Lili became one of the first African American students to attend the University of Texas. Due to increasing racial tensions on campus, she decided to transfer to Huston-Tillotson University, a private, historically black university in Austin. During her studies there, she also worked as an administrative assistant for several years.

On March 25,1968, Lili was hired to work at IBM, a new manufacturing plant moving to Austin. She was a key member of the small group tasked with ramping up the company’s initial operations. As IBM grew, Lili’s career blossomed. Her distinguished professional journey entailed many notable achievements, widespread recognition, awards, and accolades. In 1980, she became Employee Services Manager; responsible for managing the IBM club, relocation policies, and international assignees. In 1991, as a Senior Personnel Specialist, she received the first-ever Personnel Systems Director’s Award for her professionalism, commitment to excellence, and personification of market-driven quality. She also participated in many athletic activities while at IBM and received numerous Tom Watson trophies, a special IBM sports award. Lili retired on November 30, 1992, closing the chapter on her fulfilling and rewarding career of nearly 25 years at IBM.

Lili spent most of her early-to-mid retirement years attending her granddaughter’s many activities and traveling with family. It was during that time she became fascinated with her ancestry and family history, quickly becoming the family historian. While researching genealogy, she was notified about the condition of her family’s cemetery purchased by her Great-Great-Grandfather Elijah Morris in 1860. Driven by her relentless passion and fervent dedication, Lili made it her mission to save and restore the cemetery. With the assistance of other family members, she helped form the Barton Springs Heritage Association, a non-profit group tasked with preserving the history and heritage of the property. In recognition of their hard work, a rededication ceremony was held in 1993. The property eventually received its historical cemetery designation in 2016.

While Lili loved pursuing her career and passions, what she valued and loved most were her family and friends. Her happiness came from serving others and making them smile; all were welcomed and embraced in her home. She truly embodied the beauty of family – love, support, and a sense of belonging. Her BIG, bold, and beautiful personality was adored and respected by so many. However, she dedicated her life to three special women that she loved and cherished with all of her heart and soul: her two daughters and only granddaughter, who she called her “Angel.” They were the four “Musketeers” with an unbreakable and everlasting bond.

Lili was also a dedicated wife to her husband and best friend Louis Dotson, with whom she enjoyed more than 40 years of marriage until he passed away in 2015.

Lili was truly a “boss” in her career and personal life. Her resilience, persistent work ethic, and love of life served her well throughout the years. This was extremely evident when she became confronted with her own medical challenges; she handled every day with her own unique style of determination and grace. After standing strong for more than six years, she found her peace, rest, and comfort with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

Lili was preceded in death by her parents (Clarence Odie Williams, Sr. and Matilda Morris Williams), her husband (Louis Dotson), and two siblings (Clarence O. Williams Jr. and Johnnie M. Sparks). She leaves to cherish and celebrate her life daughters Terri McClain and Felicia Overton (Darrell), granddaughter Lauren Jones-McClain, sister Forrest Kelley, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Well done, good and faithful servant. Well Done!

LTDL always and forever: love you, love you, love you.

A celebration of life for Lili will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 3417 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78721.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to AGE of Central Texas in Lili's memory:

Please make checks payable to:

AGE of Central Texas, 3710 Cedar St., Austin, TX 78705

Memo: In Memory of Elijah "Lili" Dotson

To make a donation using your credit card, please use the following link - https://ageofcentraltx.org/index.php/get-involved/donate/

Please give permission for your gift to be acknowledged so that we may thank you properly for your kindness and generosity.

Alzheimer's Association of Central Texas

Visit the Alzheimer's Website https://www.alz.org/texascapital

Select the orange donation button (top left)

Dedicate this donation in the name of Elijah Dotson