Dorothy M. (Otey) Crane

Dorothy Mae (Otey) Crane transitioned to her eternal home on April 20, 2024. She was the only child born to William Otey and Virene Norris on March 9, 1933 in Meridianville, AL. Dorothy graduated from the Council Training School in Huntsville, AL in 1951. Shortly after graduating, she moved to Dayton, OH where she obtained her Associate’s Degree in Business. Dorothy worked various jobs notably McCall’s, DESC, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Good Samaritan Hospital where she retired. She was a faithful member of Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church where she served in the choir and as a Deaconess among other ministries. In recent years, she became an Alzheimer’s Association Ambassador to aid in the mission to end Alzheimer's disease. Dorothy was known for her elegance, class, style and grace; especially her “ruby red” lipstick. Her hobbies included shopping, cooking and word puzzles. Dorothy embodied a regal sophistication in her walk and her talk. She captured the heart of her late husband James A. Crane with those same attributes who loved and cared for her unconditionally until his death.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband James A. Crane, son Steven R. Crane, daughter-in-law Darlene Wilcox, granddaughters Katherine and Kelly Crane, great-grandsons La’Kell Newland and Zane McKinley, great-granddaughter Jaelle Bates. Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory and legacy son Paul L. Wilcox Jr., daughters Terri L. (Randall) Littlejohn, Yvonne S. (Dallas) Letner, and daughter-in-law Deborah Crane; Grandchildren Cecily, Daniel, Erik (Yvonne), Stevin (Tiffany) Crane, Kristin Powell, Desiree, Christopher (Kristen), Derrick (Lea), David (Brandy) Wilcox, Tonda (Jason Sr.) Bates, Tierra (William) Redmon, Stephanie (Maurice) and Samantha Letner; 41 Great-Grandchildren and 7 Great-Great Grandchildren. Daughter-in-law Jessie (Marlene) Crane,  Special Cousin/Sisters Rosa Johnson and Rosalee Foster, God-daughter Carol Jones, special friend Katie Lewis and host of many nieces, nephews and friends.

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