Dorothy Cale, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend, peacefully passed away on July 22, 2026, at the Southampton Rehabilitation Facility with her daughter and great granddaughter by her bedside.

Born in Dover, Delaware, on August 16, 1938, Dorothy lived a life rooted in love, faith, and resilience. She was the cherished daughter of the late Alonzo and Sara Elizabeth Cale, and was also preceded in death by her siblings, William and Joseph Harris, Eva Bostic, Mildred Sadler, Anna Evans, Alberta "Sissy" Scott, Helen Gibson, and Frances Lewis; as well as her beloved son, Travis Myrks, Jr.

Dorothy's legacy continues through her devoted daughter, Rhonda Lynn Myrks; her three grandchildren, Terrance Brown, Tyrone Leshawn Myrks and Stephanie Frazer; and her three great grandchildren, Kaniya Brown, Theron Frazer, and Micaiah L. Myrks (affectionately known as Ms. Awesomeness). She also leaves behind her dearly loved adopted children, Deacon James and Deaconess Linda Lyons, and Royce Organ; her son-in-love, Darryl Taliafero; aunt, Susan Young Brown; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Dover, Delaware, Dorothy pursued further education at Central Texas College. A fun fact about Dorothy, is that as a young girl she cleaned houses, raised and saved her own money  to buy her own typewriter and taught herself to type! This was just the beginning of her many jobs!  This skill served her well throughout a diverse and impactful career, which included roles as a bank teller, a telephone operator in Germany, a correctional officer in Smyrna, Delaware, an administrative assistant with ACAP at Ft. Lee, Virginia, and positions with AT&T Solutions and Social Services in Petersburg, Virginia.

Dorothy's life was anchored in her faith, Dorothy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age at Union Baptist Church in Dover under the leadership of the late Dr. James H. Williams. She served as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Nurse's Unit, and the Usher's Ministry. Her spiritual journey later led her to Calvary Baptist Church, Tabernacle Baptist Church—where she was instrumental in putting the bug in the right person's ear, to establish the prayer line—and Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, where she was affectionately known as "Mother Cale."

Those who knew Dorothy will long remember her sharp wit, sassy spirit, and sarcastic sense of humor, which brought joy to everyone around her, including the staff who cared for her. She gave them a run for their money!

The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the Southampton Rehabilitation Nursing Facility, Affinity Hospice, and all the family and friends who have provided unwavering support and love during this time.

Services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Union Baptist Church, 883 Lincoln Street, Dover, DE, Dr. Michael T. Scott, eulogist. The interment will be held at Barratt's Chapel Cemetery, Frederica, DE.

A family and friends visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the funeral establishment.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6089360?fl=so&fe=fs