Dorothy Lee Evans Wilkins, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, was called home by God surrounded by her family on Friday, January 19, 2024.

Dorothy was born in Portsmouth, VA on October 17, 1938, the daughter of Thelma Pettigrew and David Grey Evans and sister of Della Evans. She was a graduate of St. Paul's College, a Historically Black College, and attended continuing education classes at Temple University. Dorothy will always be remembered for her commitment to education and improving the lives of others through community and public service. She was a retired schoolteacher of Alexander Wilson Elementary School in Philadelphia, PA., and a member of Delta Sigma Theta (DST) Sorority, Inc., a Divine 9 and Public Service Sorority. Dorothy taught first-grade students for over 20 years and was an honorary teacher and mother to countless others around inner-city Philadelphia. She provided free ballet, jazz and tap dance lessons after school to children whose parents could not afford to pay for private lessons. She also assisted countless students with the college admissions process and securing scholarships, grants, and financial aid to pay for tuition and expenses.

In October 1963, at age 25, after being hit by a trolley car in Philadelphia, Dorothy sustained severe head and internal injuries. She narrowly survived and doctors told her she would never be able to walk again or have children, but God had a different plan. Dorothy walked out of the hospital just two months after the accident. She later married John H. Long, Jr. and from their union three children were born, two sons, Darryle, and Kenneth, and one daughter, Yolanda. Although Dorothy and John eventually divorced, they maintained a lifelong friendship.

Dorothy believed that through education, hard work, and perseverance, one could rise out of any circumstance. She instilled these values in her children. Their fondest memories include trips to the beach every summer; and visits to Philadelphia's renowned libraries and museums, such as The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences, and Philadelphia Museum of Art, as well as, historical points of interest, such as Independence Hall, City Hall, the Liberty Bell and the homes of Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and Edgar Allen Poe. Exposure to educational and cultural experiences outside of their neighborhood was an integral part of her children's upbringing and development.

In 1996, Dorothy met and married the love of her life and husband of 27 years, James "Rudy" Wilkins. It was love at first sight; and James credits "Dot" for having a profound positive impact on his life and reinvigorating his desire and will to live again.

Dorothy's love of children touched many lives, as she leaves a legacy of unconditional love, selflessness and giving. She was affectionately called "Mommie" by her children, "Na-Na" by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and "Momma Dot" by her honorary children in the neighborhood who came to know and love her. Her other great loves were Philadelphia's sports teams, especially the Eagles, Phillies and 76ers. She was their number 1 devoted fan!

Dorothy is survived by her husband, James Rudolph Wilkins of Camp Springs, MD; John H. Long, Jr. of Durham, NC and their three children – Darryle A. Long (Valencia) of Omaha, Nebraska, Kenneth D. Long (Thea) of Clinton, MD, and Yolanda Renee Byrd (Richard) of Camp Springs, MD; stepdaughters, Sanja Patterson of Philadelphia, PA and Roenika "Nikki" Armstrong of Fairfield, OH; sister, Della Evans Delaney of Lexington, VA; niece, Doncella Walker-Williams (Ramon) of Salem, VA; and nephew, Michael Long of Rockingham, NC. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Renee Van Sickle (Ryan), Mieka Dabney (Zachary), Tyisha Long, Devon Long, Alexandra Byrd, Ian Byrd, Evan Byrd, Nakaiya Harper, Caitlyn Sullivan, Isaiah Armstrong, and Jordan Armstrong; as well as a host of great-grandchildren, great-nephews, great-nieces, and sisters and brothers-in-law.

Out of concern for the environment, Dorothy's wishes were to be cremated and for a green burial instead of a funeral service. To honor her wishes, a private green burial is being planned.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating in Dorothy's name to the Delta Sigma Theta Research & Educational Fund (DREF). Donations may be made to DREF in the following ways:

Online: https://deltafoundation.net/donate/ General Contribution (in Memory of Soror Dorothy L. Wilkins)

By Mail: Donate by check (in Memory of Soror Dorothy L. Wilkins) to –

Delta Research & Educational Foundation

1703 New Hampshire Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20009