Dorothy Mae Morris Witherspoon, set to celebrate her centennial on October 7, 2024, is an example of hope and resilience in the Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco, California. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1924, Dorothy's life is a testament to unwavering service, pioneering leadership, and compassionate care. A natural nurturer from a young age, she has dedicated eighty years to enriching the lives of those in her city, state, and nation through her professional and volunteer work.

Upon moving to San Francisco at nineteen, Dorothy quickly became a cornerstone of her community, embarking on a 37-year career at San Francisco General Hospital's psychiatric emergency department, where she provided critical support to those in their most vulnerable moments. Her dedication to mental health and wellness extended beyond her professional life into her numerous volunteer endeavors, including significant roles within the American Red Cross, the San Francisco Police Department's Community Policing program, and the San Marin Food Bank.

A devout Christian since the age of 11, Dorothy's faith has guided her through nearly seven decades of leadership and service at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Her roles have ranged from Sunday School teacher to usher board leader, affecting lives nationwide through her teachings at Baptist conventions.

Dorothy's contributions have been recognized with groundbreaking appointments, such as being the first black woman appointed to the State Board of Psychiatric Technicians by Governor Jerry Brown. Her educational achievements, including earning a Bachelor of Theology at the age of seventy, further highlight her lifelong commitment to growth and service.

The widow of Rev. Carl Witherspoon and a mother of three, Dorothy's legacy is immortalized in Miss Dorothy's Garden: 9 BEE-Attitudes to Grow By, a children's book that distills her century of service into lessons of kindness and resilience for future generations. This book encapsulates her belief that like a garden, communities thrive on care, love, and the seeds of kindness we sow.

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