Dorothy Lamarr Belton-James

Dorothy Belton James known as Dot was born Dorothy Lee Sheppard on November 23, 1946, to Creola Leaston Sheppard and Willie Sheppard in Daphney, AL. After the passing of her father, her mother Creola moved Dorothy and her siblings Willie Frank Sheppard and Jerry Dean (Nan) Sheppard to Reidsville, GA. Her mother would go on to marry John C. Wiliams Sr and have 2 more children John C Williams Jr. and Linda Faye Williams.

She was a member of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church where she was baptized and worshipped. She was a member of the Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in Reidsville, GA completing missionary work as a youth.

Dot was educated during segregation at the Tattnall Industrial High School also known as Old Tattnall in Reidsville, GA. She graduated in 1964 and the same year became Ms. Tattnall County becoming one of the first black women to hold the title. Dorothy was very intelligent, receiving a scholarship for Savannah State College and pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education and Development.

Her whole life changed when she moved to Boston, MA. While attending (college) she met the love of her life William H Belton. From this union, they had two children, William Michael Belton and Angelia Belton. A renowned schoolteacher, Dot worked for the Head Start program for over 25 years. After retirement she continued as a substitute.

Dorothy was full of life and had an infectious spirit. She touched everyone in her presence and left a long-lasting impression on everyone she met. Some of her favorite past-times were fishing, watching movies, playing cards, frying chicken and just having a good ol’ time. Her heart was warm and full of love caring for all sorts of people in need. She was one of a kind and there will never be a comparison! We will carry her smile, laugh and sense of humor in our hearts and memories.

Proceeding her in death is her father Willie Sheppard, late husband William Belton, son William Michael Belton and brothers John C Williams Jr. and Willie Frank Sheppard.

She leaves behind her daughter Angelia Belton, granddaughters Shakela Belton, Auriana Belton and Tresja (Kenny) Adefiyiju, great grand-daughters Payton Belton and Avery Adefiyiju, Mother Creola Williams, sisters Jerry Dean Sheppard and Linda Faye Williams and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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