Dorothy "Dottie" Jean Anderson

Mrs. Dorothy “Dottie” Jean Anderson, née Barbee, of Lorain, passed away at the age of 100 on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. She was born June 13, 1925, and was the youngest daughter of 10 children born to Zelma and Minnie Barbee of Springfield, Ohio.

She was an avid scholar and athlete and competed in fencing while in high school and in college. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Howard University in Washington D.C. On August 28,1948 she married Marvin Moore Anderson. They lived in Nashville TN while Marvin attended Meharry Medical College. They later moved to St Louis MO in 1954 for Marvin’s internship. They eventually settled in Lorain, Ohio to raise their family and contribute to the community. Dottie was a leader in the Lorain community. Starting with her volunteer work representing the YWCA at the Lorain Welfare Council, she eventually chaired the city-wide Family Life Conference. An active, engaged mother, Dottie was a committed Cub Scout Den Mother and Sunday school teacher. She was an active participant and eventually President of the Lorain Schools Parent Teacher Association (PTA). From the Welfare Council, the Red Feather, La Raza, Lorain Community Services, the United Way of Lorain County…among many others…Dottie’s volunteerism led to State, National, and International positions and recognition.

Dottie was a recognized community leader and served on many boards and councils: Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Charter member and Basilius of Iota Phi Omega chapter of Alpha Kapa Alpha of Lorain County; YWCA Charter member of Council of Ohio YWCAs; YWCA Woman of the Year; YWCA National Board member and organized the Ohio Black Women’s Caucus; YWCA of Lorain County President and Vice President; YWCA of Lorain County Board of Directors; “Status of Women in the World” Conference, United States representative, Geneva, Switzerland; Ohio Welfare Council, Organizer of Ohio Black Women’s Caucus; Chair, Committee for the development of the Lorain County Urban League; The Council on Black American Affairs, American Association of Community and Junior Colleges, assisted in the drafting constitution; Neighborhood House Board President and Secretary; Family Service Association; Lorain County Board of Mental Health and Mental Retardation; Lorain County Rehabilitation Center; Lorain County United Community Services; Lorain County Community College Trustee; Lorain County Community College Curriculum Committee; Lorain City Schools Bond Oversight Committee; Lorain City Schools Board of Education and Endowment Trustee; Lorain City Welfare Council Board of Directors; Lorain Chamber of Commerce; First Congregational Church, UCC Chair of Christian Education

She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin, and sons Christopher Allen Anderson and Clarence Howard Anderson. She was also preceded in death by her parents and siblings Clarence Barbee, Norvell Barbee, Zelma Barbee (Junior), Charles Barbee, Robert Barbee, Zipporah Roberts, Jeanette Wagstaff, Lavere LaFall and Mae Pleasant.

Dottie is survived by her sons Mansuer Abdullah (Brenda), Dr. Na’eem Abdullah, and Dr. Eric Anderson (Ellen), grandchildren, Dara Dorothy (Dara) Abdullah, Intisar Hadiyah Anderson, Omar Abdullah (Crystal), Easlin Marie Anderson, Evan Paul Anderson (Gary), and great-grandchildren, Nia Abdullah and Nora Abdullah. She is also survived by many nephews and nieces and grand nephews and nieces.

Dottie was truly loved by her family, friends and the greater Lorain community. Her many contributions to Lorain and the region have made our world a better place. Her motto, “Life is good, people are wonderful!”

The family will receive guests on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 11:00 AM until the start of service at Noon at the Christian Temple, 940 W. 5th St, Lorain OH 44052. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Ferncliff Cemetery in Springfield, Ohio.