On October 7, 2024, the Bayview-Hunters Point community came together to celebrate a century of life, love, and legacy at Dorothy Witherspoon’s unforgettable 100th birthday. Surrounded by friends, family, neighbors, and her St. John Missionary Baptist Church family, the momentous day was nothing short of a miracle—and somehow, a surprise.

The celebration was kicked off by heartfelt remarks from Pastor Mervin Redmond, who credited Miss Dorothy with playing a key role in his spiritual upbringing. “She taught me when I was just a young man,” he shared with the crowd. “She has been the heartbeat of this church for over 66 of its 76-year history.” Dorothy Witherspoon has served faithfully in nearly every ministry—including the Sunday School where Pastor Redmond began.

Family flew in from near and far, including grandchildren and nephews who hadn’t all been together in years. Their unexpected arrivals added to the excitement of the day, making this centennial celebration a once-in-a-lifetime reunion of love.

Though the book, Miss Dorothy’s Garden: 9 BEE Attitudes to Grow By, was still in preorder, a proof copy was ready just in time for the big day. Dorothy had a chance to hold the book in her hands—a tribute inspired by her century of service—but with all the joy and commotion around her, she hardly remembers that moment. And that’s the beauty of it: her focus was on the people, not the page.

Somehow, her family pulled off the impossible—two surprise birthday celebrations in a row for a woman who always sees everything coming. But once again, she was truly caught off guard, her face lit with joy, and her arms full of hugs from children and great-grandchildren she helped raise not only with love, but with her example.

It was clear that the story of Dorothy Witherspoon's life and the BEE Attitudes it represents were blooming in the hearts of everyone present. It was more than a party. It was a living garden of gratitude where everyone was blooming in Miss Dorothy's Garden.