Dorothy Boston

Dorothy Jean Mays Boston, affectionately known as “Dot,” was born August 30, 1932, in Laurel, Mississippi, the fourth of seven children to Willie Mays and Lillie Lancaster Mays. At age nine, her family moved to Mobile, Alabama, settling in the Maysville community. She later spent her influential years in Pascagoula, Mississippi, graduating in a class of just sixteen students. She attended Alcorn State College, where she proudly served as a cheerleader and earned her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics in 1956. She furthered her education with a master’s and specialist degree from Jackson State University. In 1954, she married her partner for life, Peter Boston III. A devoted educator, she taught elementary, middle, and high school students, always seeing potential in every child. She also established the Parent Center for the Yazoo City School System and found joy teaching reading to those who needed extra support. She was creative and industrious — even teaching herself upholstery and custom drapery through correspondence, skills she happily shared with others. Hospitality was her trademark: “There’s always room for one more.” She loved to entertain, dance, and sing; travel and include as many people as possible in her adventures—whether local trips, rollercoasters at the fair, or far-flung conventions. Her faith defined her life. She dedicated herself to the worship of Jehovah, was baptized in 1963 at an international convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and eagerly helped others learn the Bible. Even from her hospital bed, her eyes brightened when spiritual discussions began. Her favorite song of all was: “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.” She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Boston III; her parents, Willie and Lillie Christine Mays; brothers Roger and Kimble Mays; sisters Delma White and Deloris McLaughlin; stepson, Anthony Boston, and several beloved in-laws and extended family members. She leaves to cherish her legacy: her children, Denise Howlett (Charles), Sheila Boston, and Donald Boston; grandchildren, Dietrich Taylor (Angela) and Heather Howlett; great-grandchildren, Joshua and Nicholas Taylor; her brother, Nebraska Mays; sister, Wyvonne Henry; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Theodora Boston; sister-in-law, Annie Mays; bonus son, daughter and granddaughter: Hubert Owens, Beverli Michelle Owens and Beverli Simone Owens; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, dear friends, neighbors, and countless spiritual brothers, sisters, and children. Legacy is the lasting impact of a life well-lived. Hers is found in the students she lifted, the friends she embraced, the loved ones she guided, and the spiritual family she helped flourish. Her legacy is one of not merely of accomplishments — but of faith, confidence, love, service, and always, always making room for one more. She made the worship of Jehovah her priority — and kept her eyes firmly on the prize of her hope.