Mrs. Dorothy Carter York, affectionately known to her family, friends, church, sorors and community as “Dot,” passed away Sunday.

She brought life to her dreams and was an inspiration to the entire Tampa Bay community.   With strong determination, she made positive impacts on folks from all walks of life. People admire, and respect Mrs. York.

The middle daughter of Mr. Willie and Mrs. Inez Carter, used her warm soft voice, fueled with her strong passion, to tirelessly help others.  Born in Tampa, a graduate of Middleton High School, North Carolina A&T (Bachelor’s), and North Carolina Central (Master’s), she dedicated 45 years of her life as an educator.

As a college student, Dot started her long journey of service to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at her initiation into Alpha Phi Chapter (North Carolina A&T University) in 1949.

After returning to Tampa in 1951, she smoothly transitioned into Gamma Theta Omega Chapter (GTO), faithfully dedicating 60 years of active membership.

Mrs. York had unconditional sisterly love in every aspect of her loyalty to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., becoming a Life Member on April 1, 2012.

As a retired teacher, Mrs. York continued to empower students’ lives.

In Hillsborough County, her career as an English instructor included assignments at Blake High School (English Department Chair), Hillsborough High School, University of South Florida’s Project Upward Bound, and as an adjunct professor at Hillsborough Community College.

Although she retired from teaching, she never stopped teaching. She taught until the very end at Elmcroft Senior Living. A talented writer and author she published several books: The New Mind: Black and White, Black’s Survival for the 1980’s, Beyond, Dr. Martin Luther King’s Unfinished Dream, and more.  News media throughout the country, interviewed Mrs. York about her writing and her activism.

Mrs. York was extremely gifted and talented.  She created draperies, upholstered furniture, and even designed wedding gowns.

Dot’s most treasured roles were — wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother.

Married to the late, Ellis York for 50 years, she is the proud mother of her only child, Inez Elizabeth (Liz) York Cohen and the proud mother-in-law of George F. Cohen, MD.  She smiled from ear to ear when she talked about her grandchildren — Robert Dixon, Adrienne Dixon, Esquire (John Barnes), Margaret and Jay Cohen.

On March 31, 2012, she celebrated the arrival of her first great grandchild, Jacob Alexander Barnes. 

Celebration services for Mrs. York will be held Saturday, August 4, 2012, 4 p. m. at C0llege Hill Church of God in Christ, 6414 N. 30th St. The Wake and Friday evening celebration will be held at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Ave.