Dorothy Loveless' Obituary
Dorothy Lean Loveless was born January 15th 1920 to parents Joseph Washington and Olivia (Geraldine) Collins in Coushatta, Louisiana; she was their only child. Dorothy was an intelligent child who appreciated knowledge and education; at an early age, sought out discovery and accomplishment that Coushatta could not provide, convinced her mother, Geraldine, to make their way to Santa Barbara, California and went to attend and graduate from Santa Barbara Business College. In both cases, Dorothy was a pioneer being, if not one of the first African American students of both.
Dorothy married Ernest Roach of New York City, New York. The union produced a daughter, Earnestine Moreno Roach. Ernestine remained inseparable from her mother through life. Dorothy had one son, Gregory Valin, whom she adored. As a mother, she gave her children her all, working six days a week at Port Hueneme to care for her children. Dorothy returned to Santa Barbara where she began her career with the United States Federal Government as a Ward Secretary. Dorothy retired after 30 years of service from the Veterans Administration, where she is still remembered today for her level of excellence. Dorothy practiced a naturophathic life; despite illness, Dorothy looked much younger than her years.
Dorothy was an incredibly beautiful person whose goodness and light illuminated all who knew her. She knew no strangers, helping all who crossed her path. Possessed with a gregarious sense of music (especially jazz), humor, and style, Dorothy shared with all. Dorothy had countless friends, but some remained throughout her life: Dorothy Williams (60 years) and Tina Littleton (30 years) of Los Angeles. In the last three years of life and failing health, Jackie Craft her caregiver whom Dorothy loved as a daughter.
Upon retirement, Dorothy briefly cared for her mother, Geraldine, who transitioned in 1985. Dorothy, a devout Jehovah Witness, hosted weekly bible study and book study and service meetings in her home for more than 25 years. Dorothy preserved and valued life until her earthly death at 9:20 AM , April 30, 2013 in Los Angeles, California in her home of 34 years, surrounded in love by her family. Her husband Charles Loveless precedes her in death.
Dorothy Lean Loveless is survived by seven grandchildren, Colette, Patick II, David (deceased) Kenya Barris (Earnestine); Jonathon, Reggie and Jennifer (Gregory). Eight great grandchildren: Kaleigh, Leyah, Lola, Beau, Chaz (Kenya), Ashley (Patrick), Tiriq and Taj (Reggie), and three great grandchildren: Imani, Sharmar, and Lorenz (Ashley).
Dorothy was and remains the anchor of her family. Rest in Jehovah, our beloved matriarch.
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