Dorothy Mae Ellis Wynecoff was born in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Rev. Golden C. and Sadie M. Ellis on May 15, 1926. God sent an angel to bring her home on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

A graduate of S.G. Atkins High School, Dorothy received her B.A. degree from Livingstone College, and M.A. degree from North Carolina A & T State University.

During her 24-year career she taught in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System. Prior to her teaching career she was a Clerk Typist at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospital for 13 years. Dorothy graduated from Livingstone College in 1948 and received a Master's Degree in Education in 1967 from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

A preacher's kid Dorothy developed a relationship with the Lord at an early age. She worked faithfully in Goler Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church where she was a member for over 65 years. She served as a former Sunday School teacher, Life member of the Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society, member of the Cathedral Choir, Willing Workers, Altar Guild, Stewardess Board (V/ice-President), Board of Christian Education and Lay Council.

While a student at Livingstone College, Dorothy joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® , Alpha Xi Chapter in 1946. She continued her sorority involvement after graduation as a member of Phi Omega Chapter. She was also a member of the Winston-Salem Chapter of the Livingstone College Alumni Association and Phi Omega, Incorporated.

Music was an integral part of her life, and she had a beautiful soprano voice. She sang in the soprano section of numerous choirs over the years including the Livingstone College Choral Union and College Octet, Phi Omega Chorus, and the Vivien K. Bright Ensemble.

Dorothy was awarded three crowns for her church and community service – Miss Livingstone Alumni 1951, Miss Goler Metropolitan 2002 and Diamond Member status in 2021 for 75 years of service as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. A lover of hats, she was also featured in the book Crowns.

She was an enthusiastic sports fan and frequently watched sports programs, especially professional football games. She never met a stranger and will be remembered for her beautiful smile and loving, gracious demeanor.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 59 years, Donnell (JT) Wynecoff.; and siblings, G.C., Junior Nathaniel Ellis., Olivia Ellis Morgan and Mildred Ellis Knox.

Loving memories shall be cherished by her daughters, Debra Wynecoff Ogden and Constance (Connie) Smith three grandchildren, Garry Ogden, Jr, (Isabela), Christiaan Smith and Timothy Williams, Jr; six great-grandchildren, Garry Ogden, III Sophia Ogden, Verona Petta, Chloe Smith, Cydney Smith, and Jordan Smith; a sister-in-law, Doris Thomas and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Dorothy was blessed to have the supportive friendship and love of many individuals during her lifetime, especially her church family and sorority sisters.

The funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 PM, Tuesday, January 21 at Goler Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church, 1435 E. 4 th Street. The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony will be held prior to the funeral at 11:00 AM, followed by the family visitation at 11:30 AM.