Dorothy Pearl Locke

Dorothy was born January 22,1929 in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was the eldest to five siblings and was born to Beatrice Flenoid and RT Shelton. She decided to take her journey with the Lord at an early age and solidified that by being baptized by Reverend Burge at 10 years old. She spent her childhood in Knoxville enjoying time with her aunts and remaining focused on her studies. Her stellar intellect and focus led her to be promoted up a grade. She graduated at the age of 17, from Austin High School the class of 1946. Upon her completion she attended Booker T. Washington Business College where she studied Business Administration. Dorothy maintained employment in the black recreational center, a black insurance agency and a black doctor's office as a receptionist as after school and summer jobs during high school. Her first job in her career field was a Community Organizer for Portage County Community Action Agency, where she remained for 10 years. She climbed in positions and ended her career there as an administrative assistant. She gave many years of service to nonprofit work. Dorothy lived in many locations in Ohio once she moved north but has been settled in Lorain, Ohio since 1986. While living in Lorain she found a church home at Jones Chapel AME in Elyria. Where she adored her church family. Mrs. Locke was an active member serving on the stewardess board and active in the missionary society until her health limited her. It brought her joy to watch others in her community grow and therefore she supported many community organizations that provided scholarships. She enjoyed remaining informed and would keep her television tuned to political news. She was a phenomenal baker and made some of the best desserts. Her happiest moments were spent with her friends and family. Dorothy is preceded in death by her mother, Beatrice Flenoid; step-father, Julius Flenoid; father, RT Shelton and step-mother, Edith Shelton; Brother Willis; sister, Geraldine; brothers, John, James and Calvin; her Daughter, Cheryl Yvonne and sons, Albert Joseph Jr. and Anthony Charles Averett and lastly her beloved Husband of 40 years, William T. Locke. She is Survived by her daughter, Janice Diane Averett and son Warren Jefferson Averett; her granddaughter 'Daughter', Leslie (Darius) Cannon; grandchildren, Kimberely Averett, Jazzmetrius Averett, Alexshawn Averett, Juliius Jamerson, Sara McCann, Sarita Jones, Lana Hunt, Lynn Hunt, Latasha Averett, Brandi Averett, Lamont Averett, Brandon Averett, Alexandria Averett; great-grandchildren, Giovanni Santiago, Diamond Averett, Dr. Chantille Jackson, Charnelle Cannon and Mylo Smiley. She is also survived by her pride and joy Great-Great Grandchildren, Liam Jackson, Charleigh Cannon, Gianna Santiago and Raeghan Butler. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the William T. & Dorothy P. Locke Family Fund through Community Foundation. Dorothy preferred that a funeral not be held but that her loved ones hold on to the memories and connections during her well-lived life.