Dorothy Almeda Brownlow Brasfield, 92, of Hale County, Alabama, passed away on February 12, 2025.
She was born on July 28, 1932, in Hale County to the late Will Brownlow and Alice Hardaway Brownlow. From an early age, she embraced her faith at Liberty Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where she accepted Christ as her personal Savior.
Dorothy was a dedicated student, attending the public schools of Hale County before graduating from Druid City High School in Tuscaloosa in 1948. She continued her education at Alabama State University, earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in education. Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to further her studies at the University of Montevallo, the University of Alabama, and Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee. She also attended numerous workshops, seminars, and professional conferences throughout her career.
Dorothy’s passion for education was evident in her teaching career, which began in Hale County from 1952 to 1959 before she transitioned to Birmingham City Schools, where she taught from 1959 to 1985. She spent 15 years at Woodlawn High School, making a lasting impact on both her students and colleagues before retiring in 1985. She was an active member of several professional educational organizations.
Dorothy was devoted to her faith and dedicated much of her life to serving the church. She taught Sunday School for many years and used her musical talents to praise God as a pianist. She played a vital role in several church ministries, serving as a stewardess, a member of the Missionary Department, and taking on various other responsibilities. When Liberty and Flatwood merged to become Bass Tabernacle C.M.E. Church, she continued to share her time, talent, and treasure. Her service extended beyond the local church, as she also served as the treasurer of the Tuscaloosa District Missionary Society of the North Central Alabama Conference for many years, allowing her to travel extensively across the Fifth and other Episcopal Districts.
In 1952, Dorothy married the love of her life, Robert Brasfield, and together they welcomed their beloved son, Robert Wayne Brasfield. She was a devoted mother and caregiver, dedicating nearly 20 years to caring for her son as he lived with multiple sclerosis. Her greatest joy was being a grandmother to Angela “Angie” Johnson. Wayne preceded her in death on September 30, 1995.
Dorothy was the eldest of four siblings, all of whom preceded her in death: Juanita Brownlow McCruter, Willie Brownlow, and Rosa Brownlow Guillebeaux. Dorothy’s love for her family was profound. While there are too many to name individually, she wanted it known that she loved each one deeply. Among those who held a special place in her heart were her nieces, Nichole Guillebeaux and Devyn Guillebeaux, whom she cherished as a daughter and granddaughter, and her nephew, Steaderick Diggins, who was like a son to her.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Joyce Brasfield Adams; brotherin- law, Ophalandus Brasfield; and beloved nieces and nephews: Andretta Raye McCruter, Linnis Darrell McCruter, Laverne Brownlow Ryan, Wanda Faye Brownlow Ramsey, Keisha Brownlow, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Somewhere along the way, Dorothy became known to many as “Aunt Dot,” a title she wore with pride. As Aunt Dot, she was a friend, confidante, advisor, and a source of unwavering love and wisdom. She shared her resources generously, always ensuring that those around her felt cared for and supported.
Her life was a testament to faith, service, and love—values that will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.
A homegoing celebration was held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Bass Tabernacle C.M.E. Church in Akron, Alabama. Interment followed at the church cemetery.
