Dorsie Jean Wilkinson Anderson

February 14, 1939 - August 7, 2016

Dorsie Jean Wilkinson Anderson was born in Indian Creek, Kentucky on Valentine’s Day in 1939 to Christine and Silas Wilkinson. She attended grammar school at a one-room school on the property her parents owned and later attended Lincoln High School for African American students in Stanford, Kentucky. She joined church at an early age and was an integral member of Pine Lick Baptist Church in Mt. Salem, Kentucky where she served as the church pianist for many years, though she had never had any formal training. She was known to play “by ear.” Though trained as a certified beautician, Dorsie Jean spent her work years in a variety of positions including those with the Hyatt Regency, Stella’s Deli and the Salvation Army. She lived in Christ Church Apartments and was an active member in her community and was beloved by neighbors and apartment staff alike. She attended church in the community room of her apartment building and also attended senior programs at Black and Williams Community Center, Dunbar Community Center and Tower Plaza. “We loved Dors,” one of her neighbors said upon her passing. “She loved us back and always greeted us with a smile and kind words.” Love was what Dorsie Jean has the most of and enjoyed spreading love to her residential and recreational communities but also to her beloved family and she was known for calling every member of her immediate and extended family sometimes beginning her phone calls as early as 6 a.m. She loved deeply even when she was dismissed by some and never had an unkind word to say about any member of her family. In addition to being sweet and kind Dorsie Jean also had SPUNK. She once proved to her grandchildren and her daughter that she could swim and well into her 60s swam across the pool when they made an excursion. To the surprise of her family and friends she married Joe Anderson when she was 53 years old and remained married to him until his death. She immensely enjoyed family outings to local restaurants and Raven Run Sanctuary with her family. And to everyone’s surprise she gave up a lifelong smoking habit cold turkey. After years of declining health and a recent 45-day stay in Central Baptist Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit Dorsie Jean transitioned this plane into the realm of heaven. Dorsie Jean leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted daughter Crystal Wilkinson(Ronald Davis); three dedicated grandchildren (she was their heart), Gerald Wilkinson, Delainia Wilkinson and Elainia Wilkinson; Ron’s children, Journey Davis and Isaac Davis; great grandchildren, Alexus Wilkinson, LaeAnna Wilkinson, Thomas Pomales, Ivory Grace Wilkinson, the late Zaria Davis, Ameir Davis and Kareem Davis; She also leaves behind: a brother, Sherman Wilkinson (Bettie) of Georgetown, KY; two sisters: Naomi Barnes of Lexington, KY and Lillie Mae Miller of Boneyville, KY and a sister in law and friend Lovester Wilkinson of Stanford, KY. She also leaves a host of nephews, nieces, friends and relatives who she loved dearly. She was proceeded in death by her husband Joe Anderson; her parents, Silas & Christine Wilkinson; two sisters: Mary Elizabeth Alcorn and Linda Lou Ross; and one brother: Glenwood Wilkinson (who was also born on Valentine’s Day) Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm Thursday, August 11 at Smith and Smith, 340 East Third Street Lexington, KY. Funeral Service will be held at 1 pm Friday, August 11 at Boneyville Baptist Church with Pastor Jerry Wilkinson officiating. Church visitation will be held from 11 am. to 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Buffalo Springs Cemetery in Stanford.