Obituary of Dorothy L Felton

Dorothy Lee Felton earned her wings and transitioned peacefully at the age of 74, on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. Born on August 30, 1947, to Cecil S. Kendrick Sr. and Leola Sauls, in San Angelo, TX, she was one of five siblings. Dorothy graduated from Central High School in 1966 and went on to attend Angelo State University, majoring in Education. She met Albert Felton, who was serving in the U.S. Air Force and stationed in San Angelo. Albert noticed Dorothy Lee Kendrick at a gathering with friends and was immediately captivated. The two began dating shortly thereafter. Before completing his tour of duty and returning home to Philadelphia, Albert proposed to Dorothy. He later flew back to San Angelo and the two were married on July 26, 1969. After their wedding, held before a host of friends and family, Dorothy and Albert returned to Mt. Airy in Northwest Philadelphia, where they resided and gave birth to three daughters – Kenya, Tameeka, and Yanell Felton. Later, the couple moved to Gloucester Township, NJ, where they continued to raise their daughters until the untimely and tragic death of Albert at age 40, on October 31, 1985. Dorothy embarked on her professional career when she arrived in Philadelphia. She worked for a local cigar company and a bank before becoming a claims specialist at Laborers District Council (LDC) in May 1979. Her career at LDC spanned 33 years. She retired in November 2012 after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM), a blood cancer that affects the bone marrow. She was treated for MM at Penn Medicine Abramson Cancer Center. Upon her initial diagnosis, Dorothy underwent a bone marrow transplant. She lived with MM for 10 years, receiving regular chemo treatments and persevering through the daily challenges of the disease with the utmost bravery and resilience. Determined to help find a cure, Dorothy participated in two clinical studies and was proud of her contribution to research advancements in the treatment of MM that will benefit other patients. Throughout her arduous journey, she experienced a few setbacks and hospitalizations; however, she recovered each time, always through grit and grace, until she succumbed unexpectedly due to complications from MM and found her peace. Dorothy’s faith was always the source of her strength and comfort. She loved the Lord and accepted Christ in her youth at Brown Chapel African Methodist Church in San Angelo, TX. When she relocated to Philadelphia, she joined Faith Fellowship Baptist Church. After she and her family relocated to New Jersey, she became a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church where she served on the Usher Board and worked with the youth group before joining Bethany Baptist Church in Lindenwold, NJ, where she was a member for the past 20 years. Dorothy enjoyed arts and crafts and loved card making. She also enjoyed spending time with her daughters and extended family. As a comforting maternal figure and friend, she truly found joy in sharing heartening words of encouragement and reassurance with her family and everyone she met. Her fondest childhood memories, on which she’d often reflect, were family gatherings at her grandmother’s house, Georgia Anna Tilda Baker Sauls, affectionately known as “Big Momma.” Dorothy personified the meaning of love and the light of her legacy was handed down like a priceless heirloom through the generations. Her purpose and passion will continue to strengthen us and shine brightly, and lovingly forever. Dorothy’s legacy lives on through her daughters, Kenya, Tameeka, and Yanell Felton. She is also survived by her brother, James (Sharon) Kendrick; sister, Lucille Chichester; brother, Vincent (Kathryn) Felton; and a host of adoring nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Leola Kendrick; mother-in-law, Margaret (Herman) Travers - who she affectionately called ‘Mom’; father-in-law, Shedrick Felton – who she affectionately called ‘Dad’; husband, Albert Felton; sister, Shirley (Don) Meekins; brother, Bennie Kendrick; brother, Cecil Kendrick; brother, Shedrick Felton; and brother, Richard Lefkowitz.