This February, San Francisco Public Works honored the contributions of African Americans in labor during their 2025 Black History Month celebration—and it was only fitting that they included a woman whose life embodies that legacy. Dorothy Witherspoon, the 100-year-old trailblazer behind

Miss Dorothy’s Garden: 9 BEE Attitudes to Grow By, was invited to share her powerful story of resilience, faith, and service that spans more than eight decades in the Bayview-Hunters Point community.

Mrs. Witherspoon was interviewed at the Public Works Operations Yard where she was asked to reflect on her extraordinary journey—beginning in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where her passion for service was first rooted in faith. “I've been serving the Lord since I was 9-years-old,” she shared. “And I’ve had a charge to keep ever since.” When she arrived in San Francisco more than 80 years ago, there wasn’t a single church in her neighborhood. That didn’t stop her. When a pastor began holding services in his home, she helped launch a children’s ministry—igniting a lifetime of leadership and love in action.

Her life’s work would go on to impact many spheres. As the first Black woman appointed to the State Board of Psychiatric Technicians by Governor Jerry Brown, she brought her values with her into the boardroom. “I commanded respect,” she said plainly. “I didn’t allow anyone to mistreat me, and I made it clear that I would not mistreat them.” For 37 years, she worked the night shift in the psychiatric emergency room at San Francisco General Hospital, advocating for the most vulnerable in crisis, while raising three children and serving her church.

Her decades of volunteerism with the American Red Cross included helping to launch a church-based blood drive—an example of how she always turned faith into action. “Service is not a task—it’s a calling,” she told attendees.

Mrs. Witherspoon’s visit continued the next day at the Public Works Administration building for a celebratory luncheon. Some had already heard her speak via Zoom the day before, but seeing her in person moved many to tears. Laborers and administrators alike lined up for signed copies of

Miss Dorothy’s Garden, sharing how deeply the book’s message resonated with them—not just as a story for children, but as a guide for living with kindness, courage, and purpose.

Several purchased multiple copies for their children, grandchildren, and godchildren—eager to pass on the legacy of Miss Dorothy and her BEE Helpers. They understood firsthand the power of quiet labor, the importance of showing up, and the transformative strength of resilience.

When asked what message she had for the younger generation, she didn’t hesitate: “Do better. Someone is watching you. Someone is looking to you as an example.” She recounted how, as a Sunday School teacher, she told her students they had permission to hold her accountable to the same standards she taught them. “If I’m not doing what’s right,” she’d say, “You can tell me.”

That’s the essence of Miss Dorothy’s Garden—living a life that sows kindness, stands boldly, and blooms with purpose. And now, thanks to the enthusiastic welcome from San Francisco Public Works, that message is reaching even further into the hearts of our city’s workers and families.