CONNIE GENE DORSEY

Connie Gene Dorsey life’s journey began November 25, 1947, in Phoenix City, Alabama.  She was the first born to the late MSgt Eugene and Lillian Littlefield. In 1958, the family of three was stationed in Louisville, Kentucky. While in Kentucky, Eugene and Lillian had another daughter, Kathlyn Littlefield; who was affectionately known as the little “big” sister.

In 1959, the family was then stationed in San Antonio, TX. This was the first time Connie was able to meet her aunt, uncle, grandmother and all her cousins. Shortly thereafter, MSgt Eugene was sent overseas and Connie, along with her mother and sister, had to move in with her Aunt until they found a place of their own.

In 1960, Connie’s father returned home from overseas and it felt good to be a whole family again. Connie loved her family dearly and was especially close to her mother. A few of her favorite pastimes was when her mother cooked seafood on Fridays, going to the drive in movies and indulging in her father’s homemade candy.

In 1963, Connie left Douglas Jr. high school and began attending Phyllis Wheatley high school. She then graduated from Phyllis Weatley High school in 1966. It was one of the most exciting days of her life. Shortly after graduating, she worked as a cashier in a small neighborhood grocery store.

Having been born into a Christian family, Connie and her sister were always taught about the Bible. Every Sunday, her mother made sure they went to Sunday school and to worship service. Connie loved the Lord and accepted Christ as her personal Savior early in life. For years she was under the leadership of Rev. L. Napier, pastor of St. Mark United Methodist Church. Later she then became a member of True Vision Church under the leadership of Pastor Michael Steve Brown. 

In 2012, she became a faithful member of Tree Mount Church, under the leadership of Pastor Larry Thompson. She and her family enjoyed the freshness that the Tree Mount family brought. Connie thoroughly enjoyed Pastor Thompson’s preaching and teaching.
In 1968, she met James Jenkins. They married in August 19, 1969. From this union they bore a beautiful baby girl named Shannon Jenkins on July 18, 1970. James had served one year in Vietnam upon his return they were finally able to settle down as a family. After 6 years of marriage, Connie and James divorced in 1974.

In 1979, Connie experienced one of the most devastating days of her life. Her mother Lillian suffered from a massive heart attack and was called home to be with the Lord. Connie and Lillian were very close to each other. They did a lot together like going shopping, talking on the phone or just enjoying each other's company. They were like sisters instead of mother and daughter.
In 1980, Connie was married for a second time to Thomas Dorsey, Jr. A year later Connie & Thomas bore a beautiful baby girl they named LeKisha Dorsey. Shannon and LeKisha were the joy of Connie’s life. Connie also became a stepmother of six when she married Thomas. Even though they were her stepchildren, she considered them to be her own children.

Thomas saw the nurturing spirit his wife possessed and encouraged her to go to school. Connie graduated nursing school from St. Philips college in 1979. This day was a bittersweet moment because her graduation was held on Mother’s day, and it broke her heart that her mother was not there to see such a great achievement. 

Over the next six years, Connie worked at medical center hospital in pediatrics as a nurse’s aide and then as a L.V.N. She left the medical center and was hired at the Downtown Baptist, where she started in pediatrics and then transferred to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU). Connie worked tirelessly in S.I.C.U. for seven years taking in open heart surgeries. For her, this was the most exciting floor to work on but eventually she got burned out in S.I.C.U. because of the strenuous schedule. That is when she transferred to the I.V. team. Connie started I.V.’s for the whole hospital for two years. She also worked six months in the cancer clinic, doing chemotherapy as well as worked with patients on ventilators. In 1991, Connie started working at the San Antonio state school on Dorm 673. She worked with the mental health clients; all wheelchair bound. Connie’s clients were very smart individuals and she learned a lot from them. She truly enjoyed working there until she decided to leave to embark on the next chapter in her life.

In 2001, Connie & Thomas Dorsey, Jr. went through an extensive course of training and orientation, for two months, to become foster parents. Through the B.A.I.R. Foundation, they were able to take in runaways, suicidal and troubled kids. Together, they were able to give these children and young people a radical kind of love. So much so, that some of the foster kids still consider Connie as their maternal mother. Connie & Thomas went on to win the national award for best foster parents. In 2004, we lost our patriarch, Thomas Dorsey, Jr., due to cancer. Even through her grief, Connie continued foster care until 2015, as her health took a decline.

On September 3, 2021, our angel was called home. Loved ones who preceded her in death are her father, Eugene Littlefield; mother, Lillian Littlefield; husband, Thomas Dorsey, Jr.; son, Jeffery Dorsey and her sister, Kathlyn Littlefield Springs.

Cherishing Connie’s precious memories are her loving daughters, Shannon (Frank) Jones, LeKisha Dorsey, Debra (Will) Dorsey-Collins, Regina (Tony) Butler; son, Carl Dorsey; bonus daughter, Katherine Manuel; bonus sons, Jacob Castillo, Dauree Morris, James Henry; granddaughters, TyTanika Dorsey, Dashawn Thomas, Mi’Kisha Price, Eri’Shana Jones, Markesia Butler; grandsons, Charles Thompson, Lowell Smith, Jr., Davian Gonzalez, Morris Dukes, Jr.; bonus granddaughters, Monica Mitchell, Quenisha Smith, Cierra Smith; lifelong friend Barbara Ellis; along with a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Connie is dearly loved and will be missed by many.

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