Obituaries

Dorothy C James

August 29, 1945 - August 6, 2025

Dorothy James, 79, entered eternal rest on August 6, 2025, at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in Lakeland, Florida. She was born on August 29, 1945, in Bartow, Florida. She is preceded in death by her mother, Mildred Nealy Kemp, her father, Phillip Eugene Coley, and her brother, Charles Redmond. She leaves to cherish her memory her three children: Darrin James (Cynthia), Sharon Johnson (Bruce), and Carrin James; grandchildren: Brian James (Abigail), Darrin Tyler (Chloe), Ashlee Judd (Harrison), Brittany Riley (Johnathan), and Amber James; great-grandchildren: Prince James, Princess James, April Tyler, and Colette Judd; great-great-grandchildren: Michael James and Theo James. She is also survived by her brother, Charlie Nealy III, and her sister, Barbara Coley, along with a host of nieces, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Dorothy was a true Floridian, having lived in Mulberry, Plant City, and Lakeland, Florida. During high school, she excelled in home economics and archery. After graduation, she married and started a family. Over the years, she held a variety of jobs, including seasonal work at Drew’s Apple Orchard in Lowell, Massachusetts. She worked in the meat department and as a cashier at Kash N’ Karry, served as both a teller and manager at First National Bank in Plant City and made history as the first African-American waitress at Steak ’n Shake off of Memorial Blvd in Lakeland, FL. She also studied real estate, and in retirement, worked as a cashier at Publix.

Dorothy loved bowling, shopping, and especially cooking. The dogs she cared for over the years were like family to her. She had a passion for ballroom dancing and was a proud member of the Magnolia Building Dance Group. She also participated in the Red Hat Society, where she shared her joy and flair with fellow members.

Dorothy was truly the life of the party. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh and her bubbly, bright, and vivacious spirit. Known for her impeccable fashion sense, she always dressed to the nines and embraced every holiday with enthusiasm and decorations. She still dressed up for Halloween, even in her later years!

Her legacy is one of love, laughter, strength, and style, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.