Dorothy Prime

Dorothy Gertrude Lewis-Prime was born on February 6, 1923 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, the 7th of nine children. Her parents, Tomas and Susan Lewis, and all eight of her siblings, preceded her in death. Ending the covering of a remarkable generation, on January 17, 2017 she also departed this life – peacefully – at her home with loved ones near. Dorothy was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness and dedicated her life in 1956. She was a talented and versatile employee who worked at H.J. Heinz for several years. For those of us who knew her well, we can say she liked to talk, she loved people, and she was a graceful “Social Butterfly”. Nicknamed “Ruth-Ann” by her sister Lucy (whom she nicknamed “Lockett”) these sisters traveled the countryside with their husbands Frank and Arthur (nicknamed June). They loved to enjoy life together, and enjoy life they did. Dorothy deeply loved her family, her Christian friends, and everyone else who loved God. She always relished sharing inspiring Bible conversations. Dorothy had a beautiful smile and her affectionate, sentimental attitude supported well her love for entertaining family and friends. She loved to listen to music and sing - and snap her fingers to the music. Dorothy’s family, especially her niece Beverly considered it an honor and privilege to devote the last several years of Dorothy’s life to an “age at home” experience in her declining years. The family team, Sabrina, Trish, Renee, Bonnie, Elaine and a special caregiver – Lessie Murray, enhanced Dorothy’s quality of life far beyond the degree of just a satisfied existence. Dorothy was always grateful and repeatedly expressed her gratitude with love even through her (many) stubborn moments. ☺ She was one gracious Lady and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her including the caring neighbors who live in her apartment building and the staff at the SarahCare Adult Day Care Center. Frank David, Dorothy’s husband of 46 years, preceded her in death as did her daughters Olive Tolbert, Constance Ward, and grandsons Leonard Ward and Melvin Tolbert, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy, one daughter /son-in-law Elaine & Jack Diggs, seven grandchildren, Renee Tolbert (Duane), Gregory Diggs (Daria), John Diggs {Alic}, Lynnelle Tyler (Lenwood), Freddie Ward, Derrick Ward, Dana Ward, fifteen great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, an exceptional niece / nephew-in-law Beverly & Emmett Moore, a multitude of nieces and nephews to the third and fourth generation, and a host of additional relatives and good friends.