Dorothy Jean Spann-Agee's Obituary
God blessed John Wesley and Ardelia Margaret Louise Spann with a daughter, Dorothy Jean, February 28 in Memphis Tennessee. John Wesley was a lawyer and minister in Mississippi and Ardelia was a teacher in Tennessee, Mississippi, and California. Dorothy’s Maternal and grandparents were educators. Her great-grandparents were dairy farm owners and prominent community members in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
Dorothy’s parents recognized her ability to read at an early age. She entered first grade at the age of four. She graduated from high school at the age of sixteen as valedictorian. Because her parents and grandparents were musicians, Dorothy began taking piano lessons at the age of four. She eventually graduated to taking organ lessons.
Dorothy became a Christian at the age of nine and was baptized at the Spring Hill Baptist Church in Tupelo, Mississippi. During her teenage years, she served as a church pianist, choir member, Sunday School leader and often gave speeches in several churches. Church participation was a definitive part of Dorothy’s life. Friendships were developed which lasted throughout the years.
Dorothy entered Lane College at the age of sixteen. Her college years were exciting as she made new friends. She became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, majored in Business Education and received her degree with honors in three years. After graduation, Dorothy passed the Civil Service Exam with a 97.5 in shorthand and a speed of 98 in typing. She was hired as a teacher in Memphis, Tennessee.
Dorothy moved to California with her mother to be close to family (father passed at an early age). She immediately helped her uncle and the family business, Chicken Delight (first Black owned franchise in the Nation). Dorothy was hired by the Oakland Unified School District after serving as a substitute teacher for six months.tt
Because of her success in the classroom, Dorothy was recommended by her principal to give thought to becoming a counselor and administrator. She received a NDEA Grant that sent her to San Diego State with all expenses paid. She received her Master of Science Degree with honors. Several years later, Dorothy received her Ph.D. from U. C. Santa Barbara with honors, majoring in psychology with an emphasis on education.
Dorothy worked for 38 years in the Oakland Public Schools as a teacher, counselor, and administrator. She was the principal of Frick, McClymonds, and Elmhurst schools. As a District Administrator, Dorothy Administrator, Dorothy supervised principals and school staffs. She also served as a consultant for the Alameda and Richmond School Districts. Life long credentials were granted by Tennessee and California as a teacher, counselor, and administrator. Dorothy was also a Parent Effectiveness Counselor.
After retirement, Dorothy felt the need to learn more about the Bible and gain theological insight. She became a student at America Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkeley, California. She received the Master of Divinity degree with honors. Dorothy was the student speaker at her graduation and was recognized with the Practical Theology and Preaching Awards. She completed the work for the Doctor of Ministry at ABSW, graduated with honors and recognized for her outstanding ministry in the Black Church. She was active member if Beth Eden for over fifty years. Her leadership within the church
placed emphasis on the importance of having a viable ministry for senior congregants. Her published works were: Case Studies of High School Students Living With Single Parents and An Investigative Approach To Establishing A Senior Ministry For Congregations.
Dorothy was active in the community. She was member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, NAACP, NCNW, Kiwanis, of Oakland, and Phi Delta Kappa. Organizations, school districts, and the community often requested Dorothy’s services as a lecturer, counselor and speaker.
Dorothy was married to Franklin D. Agee for thirty-four years until his death in 2008. She was a loving and faithful wife who valued Franklin’s love and friendship. Special love and devotion were always given to her mother, Ardelia. Dorothy was blessed to have the love, devotion, and kindness from her brother, Jeremiah O. Randoll. Her cousin Darrell W. Haraway her comfort and joy. Dorothy also appreciated the love of William and Elizabeth Hughes and the Hanna Family of Memphis, Tennessee from her early childhood and throughout her life.
Loving memories of Dorothy will always be held by family members. Her extended family includes Celestine Cannon; Harris Family; Thomas and Gladys Henderson; Gordon and LeeNiel Jennings; Julien Lilliard, Charles McLeroy; Barbara Miller; Deborah Monroe; Jimmie and Ava Patin; relatives; friends; and the Beth Eden Family.
To ensure the health and safety of our community, we are following all guidelines set by local, state and CDC officials. If you are planning on attending a service, please contact the funeral home in advance, so that we can plan accordingly.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorothy?
Share a story where Dorothy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorothy you’ll never forget.
How did Dorothy make you smile?