Dorothy "D-Dot "Jean O'Donal

A Christian's Life to Remember

February 6, 1936 ~ MAY 19, 2024

Welcome to the life story of Dorothy "D-Dot" Jean O'Donal. I invite you to tour eighty-eight years of my life while I share a little about myself for the next few moments. I am a God-fearing Christian, Woman, Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend. Authentically speaking, Christ Jesus is my best friend. "Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promise he made to her" Luke 1:45. I was baptized as a young adult into the body of the Church of Christ.

It was Thursday, February 6th, 1936, when I made my grand appearance. My parents, John R. and Viola F. Adams, birthed eleven children. I was number eight. My siblings were Thelma, Inez, Helen, Mary, Wilma, George, John, Gladys, Annie Lee and Doris. I was born in Douglasville, GA, and reared in Summerville, GA, and Chattanooga, TN. Later, I relocated to Ohio, and as an adult, I settled in Colorado. As was customary in those days for big families, we were a part of the fabric of the community, particularly a farm civilization where we raised crops to make a living and to survive.

Education was important to me as a child, contributing to my dream of being a teacher. This passion was encouraged as I attended Gore Elementary and Summerville Colored Junior High School in Summersville, Georgia. I attended Howard High School in Chattanooga, TN, and as part of the great migration, I attended high school at Liberty High School in Toledo, OH. I was very athletic, and in high school, I played basketball, the guard position, and softball. However, in every game I fought, I was small. Therefore, people thought they could run roughshod over me, so I would defend myself and show them I was not a pushover. While in high school, I consistently made the honor roll, earning As and Bs for my studies. I furthered my education at Herron's Beautify in Toledo, OH, Jones Real Estate School in Denver, Aurora Community College, and Emily Griffith, where I studied upholstery and healthcare. I obtained my Cosmetology license and became a Real Estate Agent.

My occupational journey began at the tender age of twelve by picking apples and doing domestic work. As I embarked on adulthood, I became a hairdresser, or what is called today, a hairstylist, showing my skills from 1962 to 1978 and a realtor from 1978 to 2002. At this point, I retired from working. Some say that as I matured, I became the feisty "First Lady," which wasn't a bad thing to me.

I married Mr. Jewell (Jerry) Mims at a young age: Jerri, Dorinda (Rin), Janaldo (Nal), and DeMille were born into our union. This blending ended. Later, I met my best friend and soul mate, PaPa Joe; he and I would spend the rest of our lives together until death did us part. Mr. Joe O'Donal. PaPa Joe and I married on February 9th, 1978, in Aurora Co., and Glenn O'Donal was included in this union. My most meaningful legacy of love would be through the family ties of my offspring. Jerri, Dorinda, Janaldo, DeMille, and Glenn. My most cherished accomplishment was mothering these five phenomenal human beings.

I loved reading the Bible, singing gospel spirituals, traveling, and having an immaculate household. Also, I had a passion for shopping at thrift stores. I love collecting unique objects, some that remind me of my childhood and some that have no significance to me other than they are just different. In addition, it relaxes me to perform word searches, crossword puzzles, and play card games. Overall, I enjoyed bright colors, lilies, and fishing. Most of all, I love watching sports, especially football. From my Bronco Room to all my fancy Bronco clothing and memorabilia, to know me is to see that I am a true die-hard Denver Broncos fan. I can't forget to mention I watched the Denver Nuggets win their first world title, which I immensely enjoyed.

Still, all these delights are secondary to the precious moments with my family. It has been the highlight of my life, from talking for hours to my sisters and brothers to enjoying laughs and family gatherings with my children and having the joys of watching my grandchildren and great-grandchildren flourish. I love to entertain, and although I know how to cook, I'd rather leave the cooking to someone else to allow me the time and opportunity to interact with my guests and dear friends. I do have the "gift-of-gab"!

As I revisit my childhood, I reflect on my father, whom I called Daddy Adams. He instilled in me the idea of being a decent, respectful young lady and not depending on anyone to care for me! This is where I received my independent spirit, which I carried throughout my life and passed on to my children. My mother, who I called Mama Adams, taught me how to cook, clean, and maintain my appearance. These qualities were my favorite luxuries I indulged in my entire life.

Additionally, as I explore the time of my upbringing, a smile creeps across my face when I think of the radio shows that I enjoyed long before there was television, such as Minnie Pearl's Humor Hour, Amos and Andy, the old negro radio show, and the Joffre show. I even won the Minnie Pearl Halloween contest, well, coming in second place, that is.

My guilty pleasures were designer clothing, purses, and shoes to match. In my closet, I would line up my purses. If you opened the bag, you would find the shoes to match. I always loved my hats. Dressing up and feeling feminine and beautiful was one of the things my mom taught us growing up, and it just became a part of my lifestyle. Of course, my favorite fragrances are Yves Saint Laurent Opium and Nina Ricci. And the Cadillac automobile was my fav!

I was once a contestant on one of my favorite shows, The Price is Right, with Bob Barker. I was on stage and won a cuckoo clock, which I still have. I even enjoyed watching Jeopardy, The Wheel of Fortune, and loovveed the shoot-um-ups referred to as Westerns.

My philosophy in life was to help others and always extend a helping hand. The most essential and significant qualities I look for in anyone are honesty and loyalty. I was doing things pleasing to God, obeying his will. I would do unto others as I would have them do unto me. I poured this into my children.

I was once asked to complete the following sentence: What many people don't know about me is… "I love fishing and watching the waves crash against the shoreline; this brings me peace and serenity."

When I crossed that majestic river, I saw this big table spread like Thanksgiving. My Lord and Savior Jesus, my parents John R. and Viola F. Adams; my siblings Thelma, Inez, Helen, Mary, Wilma, George, John, Annie Lee, and Gladys; my husband Joe O'Donal, and my grandson Janaldo Mims II were there to greet me.

Moreover, I can't help but find consolation in knowing that the confirmation of my existence will last for all eternity in the lives of those I left behind: my children, Jerri (Lee) Robinson, Dorinda Mims, Janaldo (Cecelia) Mims, DeMille Mims, and Glenn O'Donal; my sister Doris (Lee) Victorian and my sister-in-law Doretha (George) Adams; my grandchildren (9), great-grandchildren(20), great-great grandchildren(7); and a host of nephews, nieces, family, and friends.

Sister Bea, think of me when you're decorating the house for the holidays, baking cookies and cakes, and frying shrimp in the kitchen. To all my children, you gave me happiness and joy; you've made my life worth living, and now that all my earthly days are through, I'll leave here knowing I did what I came to do; I know that I'll leave something good behind. I have loved and supported you, for my sake, and in my name, live on and do as Christ would want you to do. Love and support each other as I did for you. I won't say goodbye; I will just say, "I've got to go now."