Dorothy Lee Turner Williams was born on March 24, 1929, to the late George and Bessie Turner.  From an early age, Dorothy accepted Christ and began a lifelong walk of faith that guided her values, strengthened her resolve, and shaped her devotion to family and service.

Dorothy experienced loss early in life with the passing of her mother at the age of sixteen.  She was raised by her father, George Turner, and played an active role in supporting him through farm life.  Her father's work deeply influenced her upbringing. Farming, responsibility, and hard work were central to her childhood, instilling resilience and a strong work ethic that she carried with her throughout her life.

A devoted mother, Dorothy's life centered around her children and family. In addition to raising her own children, she lovingly helped raised her grandchildren and opened her heart and home to care for many others. She babysat and nurtured countless children as if they were her own, leaving a lasting imprint on every life she touched through her generosity and selflessness.

Dorothy also found joy in serving her community. She worked with the Foster Grandparent Program at ABC Learning Center, where she cherished the opportunity to support and care for children.  She later became the cook at ABC Learning Center, a role she loved deeply. Being part of this program and place of business brought her great fulfillment, as it allowed her to continue doing what she loved most serving and caring for others.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Williams, Sr.; her devoted friend and co-parent, Allie P. Harris, Sr.; six brothers and one sister; her son, Eddie C. Williams, Jr.; stepdaughters, Bessie Williams Coleman, and Annie Pettiford; and her grandson, Jibril Williams.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory her fourteen children, Thomas Williams (Darlene), Carleah Muhammad, Carolyn Williams, David Williams, Sr., Deborah Chamberlain, Kirby Williams (Wanda), Norma Williams, Ricky Williams, Bridgette Williams, Yvette Harris, Stephanie Williams, Natalie Harris, Doris Harris (Richard) and Kenny Harris (Monica).

Dorothy is also survived by her stepchildren, Allie P. Harris, Jr. (Joyce) and Carolyn Lewis (Edward). She was blessed with a large and loving legacy that continues through her forty-four grandchildren, ten step-grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, each a living reflection of the love, care, and dedication she poured into her family.

Dorothy is lovingly remembered by her one surviving sister, Mattie Archer of Petersburg, Virginia, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who were blessed by her presence.

A special acknowledgment is given to her youngest daughter, Doris Harris, who served as her devoted primary caregiver for the last seven years of her life, devoted son, Ricky Williams providing unwavering care compassion, support and care.

Dorothy Lee Turner Williams will be remembered as a woman of strength, faith, sacrifice, and unconditional love-a true Matriarch whose life was defined by service to her family and care for others. Her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured and the many lives she touched.

A service of love and remembrance will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1021 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Lamont A. Hobbs, Pastor, eulogist.

The family request that floral arrangements, potted plants or dish gardens may be sent to 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/5791663?fl=so&fe=fs