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 Once again The Balm In Gilead is saying good-bye to a treasured member of our staff. On Wednesday, August 4, 2005, Dorothy Townes was called home to rest. A member of The Balm staff for over five years, Dorothy will be sorely missed. Through out the ups and downs of her illness her response to inquiries regarding her health was always, "I won’t complain."
The most poignant memories for me are the times that Dorothy sat with me and spoke of being tired. Tired of the pain, tired of the medicine, tired of the chemo, but --- not too tired to give up her fight to live.
 Some
delightful memories from the staff
of The Balm In Gilead: |
| REV. ALBERTA WARE
-- She never refused a work assignment;
She had a very “matter of fact” attitude; and
she made the best potato salad in the world!
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CAMILLE PARARA - I grew to know more about Dorothy when she made her frequent morning visits to the Evaluation Department. She would say that she just wanted to say good morning and see how everyone was doing. I always asked her how she was feeling and she always replied with her signature statement, “I won’t complain.” We would talk for about 15 minutes and she would say that she was through venting and would leave for her office. I enjoyed talking to Dorothy because she was down-to-earth, very frank and she did not feel it necessary to apologize for being herself. I admired the fact that she always honored her feelings regardless of potential criticisms or disagreements. I miss Dorothy’s morning visits, her sense of humor and the conversations we had about everything from the state of her hair to her beautiful grandchildren..
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CLAUDETTE DAVIS -- Dorothy was a person who dedicated herself to seeing a task completed once she got involved and she lived life on her terms. |
PERNESSA --
Dorothy was a balm in Gilead. She will always be a part of the historical fabric of this institution. Yes, we will miss her! However, the daily work of the Balm In Gilead will always be a testament of the extraordinary life and commitment of Dorothy and other strong Black women who have touched our lives as they passed our way!
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OPHELIA GILLIAM
-- Having worked with Dorothy for only about six months, I didn’t get to
know her as well as other staff members, however, in our conversations she impressed
me as one who spoke her mind with honesty and without malice. .
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LITISHIA BAUGHAM-SMITH
- I admired Dorothy’s incredible strength and forthrightness more than anything else. If there was something that did not make sense, Dorothy would be clear that it did not make sense. Initially I thought she meant to hurt but that was not the case. Dorothy did not believe in confusion and telling the truth even if one did not want to hear it, was very important to her. I treasured that about her plus her unyielding loyalty to the work and the people she worked with. I love you Dorothy and will miss you terribly.
On my first day of work at The Balm In Gilead, Dorothy was the first person that I met. She made me feel welcome and comfortable that day. Working with Dorothy was a pleasure and she was like a big sister to me. She shared all that she had. This included her knowledge, her resources, her encouragement and most of all her candid opinion and advice on any issue. She will be missed. I will always cherish fond memories of Dorothy.
Sleep on Dorothy and take your rest,
We loved you, but God loved you Best.
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TONYA PERRY -- Dorothy was an extremely genuine and thoughtful person. During my transition to New York from Maryland, she was extremely helpful in terms of suggestions for places to live as well as places to stay away from…etc. Dorothy actually walked me to Port Authority to make sure that I made it there safely and connected to the shuttle to the airport. I’ll always remember Dorothy’s smile and the way it radiated her spirit. When I think of her, I will do so with a smile in my heart.
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If you would like more information on how you can support Dorothy's
family, or to find out about services or where to send your condolences, please
contact Darlene Cheek at The Balm In Gilead, 212-730-7381 or by email at balmgilead@aol.com.
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