Missionary Barbara Dotson

Missionary Barbara Dotson, age 77, of Forrest City, Arkansas passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023. Missionary Barbara Dotson started her life’s journey on August 30, 1946, in a small community near Madison, AR. She was the eleventh child (four dying in infancy) born to Willie James Dotson (deceased) and Judy Ellis Dotson (deceased). It was certainly a joyous occasion for the birth of this child, because she was the second surviving daughter of two born in a family of five sons. She grew up surrounded by love, good ethics, and strong faith in God. Barbara received her early education while attending Eldridge Butter Elementary School in Madison, AR. She later attended Lincoln Junior High and Lincoln Senior High School and graduated with the Class of 1965. Soon after high school she began her work career with various governmentally funded programs; office worker during the early years of Crowley Ridge Vo-Tech, and finally at the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator. With a strong desire to continue her education, she enrolled in the newly established East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City. She earned an Associate Degree at EACC. She later matriculated and commuted to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education, Master of Science in Education, and her Specialist in Community College Teachings. She accomplished all of this while working at Mid-South Vo-Tech, which later became Mid-South Community College in West Memphis, AR. Weary of traveling for work, Barbara desired to come home to Forrest City. She was offered a teaching position with the Forrest City Public School System, where she remained until her retirement in 2010. She was a dedicated worker who won many awards and recognitions while working with students in various competitions and educational projects. She completed thirty years in the education field. Being reared in a God-fearing home, Barbara committed her life to God at the age of sixteen. She was saved, sanctified, and eventually filled with the Holy Ghost! She was a lifelong member of the Willis Temple COGIC in Madison, AR. She served in various capacities in her local church, district, and even in Arkansas First Jurisdictional level. At the local church, she served over the years as Chair President, Prayer Warrior, Sunday School Superintendent, Church Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee Board member, Business Manager, and Local YWCC President. On the District level she served as Sunshine Band President, District Secretary, and as District YWCC President. She served as part of the secretarial staff for the Missionary Training Academy in the Jurisdictional Women Department. Living an exemplary life, her main concern was to lead others to Christ. She touched many souls and had a great impact on their lives. We will always remember her as an exceptional woman who clothed herself in humility, hard work, and determination. Missionary Barbara departed this life peacefully at her home. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers– Ollie, Alfred, and Hugh of Cleveland, OH. She leaves to cherish her memories her two sisters—Lebertha Dotson of Cleveland, OH and Odean Dotson of Forrest City, AR; two brothers—James Dotson (Myrtis deceased) of Forrest City, AR and Theodis (Tarlean) of Seven Hills, OH; three sisters-in-love—Carrie, Almeter, and Margaret all of Cleveland, OH; a godmother– Mother Josephine Alexander of West Helena, AR. She was also blessed with bonus siblings—Mildred Allen (Willie), James Alexander, James Brown, Donna Gatlin (Reverend Lonzo); and Loretta Michaels. She also leaves godsons and families—Dr. E. Joeson (Dr. Jackie) Daniels of Little Rock, AR and Elder Urban (Bobbie) Ray of Kansas City, MO. Barbara was truly blessed to have a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly. Please forward all Resolutions and Acknowledgements to: mjkimble@yahoo.com, PO BOX 484, Forrest City, AR, 72335, by FAX: 870.633.1920, or 1900 South Washington Street, Forrest City, AR by Thursday, November 30, 2023; Attention: Missionary Barbara Dotson

Missionary Barbara Dotson

August 30, 1946 - November 24, 2023