Dorothy Iris Williams Greene

It is with deep sorrow and grief we announce the passing of our dearest Dorothy Iris Williams Greene, on October 11, 2023, in Saint George Utah. She was 95.

Born on May 13, 1928, in McCoy, Virginia to William Samuel Williams and Lake Etta Dillon, the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains would forever be home in Dorothy’s heart. She was the third child of the family, following her brother, Marcus Brown, and her sister, Margaret Loretta. Her additional younger half-siblings included Samuel, James, Nan, and Dolly Williams. 

After marrying Keith H. Greene in Washington D.C., Dorothy’s first job was in administration for the Federal Government. Drawn by the waves of the majestic Pacific, the family moved to California in 1957. Dorothy then worked for the City and County of San Francisco at the Welfare Department, and city public schools, where she taught administrative skills to a night class, continuing the family tradition of teaching. She later retired from San Francisco City College. 

Dorothy also participated in the California Women in Business annual trips to meet with members of Congress in Washington D.C. Dorothy and Keith were invited to the White House on several occasions. Keith passed away in 1995 In Palm Springs, California.

Dorothy’s generous heart guided every aspect of her life. As a Grand Noble at the Oriental Rebekah Lodge #9 in San Francisco, her causes included the sponsorship of the Odd Fellows/Rebekah Children’s Home. She also opened the doors of her own home to foster children. She had a passion for shopping, gift-giving, so you knew that when a care package arrived in the mail, love was at your door.

Always ready to explore and with a thirst for knowledge, Dorothy would pack her bags at a moment’s notice to join her daughters on any international adventure. Whether bravely striking out on her own or traveling the globe hand-in-hand with her two treasured friends, Kathy Wohlauf and Lottie Harris, Dorothy’s world travel life extends to multiple continents and countries with legendary stories like riding a camel in the Sahara Dessert or meeting the Presidential team for a State visit to China. (Dorothy was so discreet, we will never know for sure if she was a secret agent.) She was even awarded her official title “Lady Dorothy” in Scotland.

Lady Dorothy is survived by her half sister, Dolly Williams Kenyon and beloved daughters, Ceciley Bachnik, (Brian Lowe) Darlene Gobert, (Jerry), Dolores Greenwich, (John), and Iris Greene. She is also survived by her grandchildren Phillip Mann (Tiana), Jonathan Greenwich, and Andrea Heffner, (Jeremy), and their daughter Eleanor Pearl, Lady Dorothy’s great granddaughter.

Lady Dorothy often referenced a cherished poem, “The Train of Life”.

As she has stepped down from her seat, we imagine she would tell us, with a twinkle in her eye and holding her beloved dog, Toi Boi, that it’s time for her next “undercover” assignment. Until we meet again, Lady Dorothy.

Funeral Services:                   

Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 2:00 PM:

Oakey’s Roanoke Chapel 

318 Church Avenue, S. W. Roanoke, VA 24016

The service will also be live-streamed posted on

website www.oakeys.com  

The family graciously accepts all flower arrangements, or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothy’s name to

Rebekah’s Children Services ( http://www.rcskids.org )

Paralyzed Veterans of America ( https://www.secure.pva.org ) or

PAWS ( https://give.paws.org )

Arrangements were made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to sign Lady Dorothy’s online guest books at

www.spilsburymortuary.com   or   www.oakeys.com