Dorothy Mae Brown

Obituary Program Link

With grace and peace, Dorothy Grimes Brown entered eternal rest on June 24, 2025, at the age of 72. She was born on August 26, 1952, in Selma, Alabama, to the late Clifford Grimes and Ida Bell Chestang Grimes.  Dorothy was a woman of incredible resilience, wit, and heart. She lived most of her life in the close-knit community of Collirene, Alabama, where her laugh, her strength, and her unmistakable presence became an integral part of her community. Whether through a kind word, a knowing smile, or her sharp sense of humor, Dorothy had a way of making people feel at home.

Dorothy dedicated many years of her life to working in the Lowndes County Public Schools -(Hayneville), until retirement. Her dedication left an imprint on countless students and colleagues, many of whom remember her as both a mentor and a friend.  Dorothy lived with honesty and heart. She didn’t pretend to be anything other than who she was.

Her story is one of forgiveness, personal growth, and the deep, redemptive power of love.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved daughter Vanekia Grimes Hall, and her brother Clifford Grimes Jr.  She was a proud mother of four children: the late Vanekia Grimes, Carlos (Kesia), Brad, and George Grimes. Her journey through motherhood—marked by both trials and triumphs—ultimately became a story of re-connection and healing. In her later years, she found deep joy in renewing family ties and embracing those she loved with a heart full of love.  She also leaves behind a proud legacy in her grandchildren: Carlos (Rita) Grimes Jr., Ta’Sharri Grimes, Shadai Valentine, Xavier Jackson, Kameron Grimes, Kamaya Hatcher, Anisa Sutton, Gregory Sutton, Terrill Hall Jr., and Pala Grimes, as well as six great-grandchildren. Her love extended to a wide family circle, including her siblings: Ida Bell (Hosea) Mooney, Celestine Scott, Eloise (John) Rosario, and Ed Grimes; along with a host of adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends, Laura Stringer and Anna Marshall Kelley.  

Graveside services have been scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 10:00AM from the Serenity Memorial Gardens with Aubrey Larkin's Lewis Brothers Funeral Home serving with excellence through professional service. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.