Dorothy Mae Stokes-Harris

Dorothy Stokes-Harris was born to the union of Irma Matthews and Frank Johnson on July 16, 1944 in Baton Rouge, LA. She began her education in Baton Rouge public schools and relocated to San Diego in 1953. Dorothy attended Logan Elementary School, Memorial Junior High School, San Diego High School, and the Educational Cultural Complex. Dorothy married Richard Price in 1961. She later married Phillip Stokes and Milton Harris. Dorothy worked for the Legal Aid Society for 23 years, starting in 1978 as a volunteer receptionist and elevating to paralegal. As a paralegal, she never lost a hearing. Dorothy was a fierce champion for public assistance recipients who needed her help. She was strong and compassionate, possessing a deep sense of social justice. Dorothy will be remembered for her tireless advocacy on behalf of the disadvantaged. Dorothy was a Buddhist for more than 40 years. She was introduced to Nicheren Daishonen Buddhism by her brother, Adilifu Fundi (AKA Warren Wright). Dorothy had numerous shakubukus and opened her home for various Buddhist activities, including daimoko toso. She was also an active fundraiser for the diamu. During her decades of practice, Dorothy attended numerous conventions throughout the world, traveling as far as Japan. She introduced hundreds of people to Buddhism and persuaded many to embrace its tenets. Dorothy’s faith was very important to her. She used it to strengthen and encourage others. Dorothy Stokes-Harris departed this life on September 20, 2015. Her parents (Irma Matthews Bell and Frank Johnson), her sisters (Elouise Lee, Bertha Charleston, Olevia Pitcher, Sadie Mae Bell, and Frankie Willis), her brother (Johnny Johnson), her son (Marvin Ray Price, Sr.), and her grandson (James Sharrod Shields, Jr.) preceded her in death. She is survived by four sons: Darnell Price of Murrieta, CA; Vernell Price (Mary) of Lemon Grove, CA; Christopher Price, Sr. and Aaron Sharpe of San Diego, CA; three daughters: Richaelle Smith (Javel), Bertha Price (Jose) and Phyllis Sharpe of San Diego, CA; six brothers: Adilifu Fundi of San Francisco, CA; Herman Williams (Mary Ann), James Johnson, Robert Williams, and Charles Johnson of Baton Rouge, LA; Eroll Williams of Columbus, LA; three sisters: Martha Butler Jones, Marilyn Robinson (Victor), and Ruby Williams of Baton Rouge, LA; brother in-law: Willie Pitcher of Los Angeles, CA; eighteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends to mourn her passing.