Sheryl Dotson

Sheryl Jean (Red) Dotson was born on November 30, 1951 in Fairfield, Alabama to the late Betty L. (Henry) Dotson-Allen and Malcom Dotson. Early in life she was baptized as a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church but later changed membership to Porter Chapel (Unity) CME Church. Sheryl was a true believer in the “Power of God,” and lived her life following in the Footsteps of our Lord and Savior. She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and an older brother, Vernon “Charlie” Dotson. A graduate of J.S. Abrams High School and Lawson State Community College, Sheryl was an independent woman of strong faith and courage who believed in commitment to family and friends. Wanting a better life for her sons, she stepped out on faith and moved to Detroit, Michigan where she lived for more than 25 years. After realizing the failing health of her mother and grandmother, she returned to Bessemer in order to help with their care. Sheryl served them faithfully until grandma died and then her own health forced her into a wheelchair. Even then, though owning little, she lived and taught the importance of sharing the little that you have - she would give her all to anyone in need. Her charm and smile would enlighten any given moment, just like her love for her sons, grandchildren and greatgrands. She taught them to always depend on, and to serve God first. Sheryl was blessed beyond measure in sharing her love for them – they were her reason for living. She loved and lived every moment she was given. Neither hard times nor illness would rob her of who she was – a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, family member and friend. Our Warrior gallantly fought illness every step of the way until God called her home and she peacefully went to sleep. She leaves, not to mourn her passing, but to cherish loving memories; two sons: Christopher (Nyesha) Dotson of Bessemer, AL and Michael (Itasha) Dotson of Detroit, MI; ten grandchildren: Michael Jr, Deanna, Keyshon, and Jaylon Branch-Dotson, Nyteria and Christina Dotson, Brooklyn Dotson, Dezaree and Jameal Williams and Ivory Hogan; four greatgrands: Ivory Jr and Ivy Hogan and two who are to become bundles of joy in June 2020, Marley and Riley Branch-Dotson; two sisters: Malonese D. (Lee Curtis) Morris and Carolyn D. Ray; five brothers: Joseph L (Jacquetta) Dotson, Victor (Yvonne) Dotson, Darryl (Karen) Dotson, Malcom Dotson and Dana (Angela) Dotson; three aunts, Emily Jackson-Breedlove, Georgia B. Deloach, and Gail Bell; one uncle, David L. (Barbara K.) Bell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.