Roll Call Tribute

Dorothy Ellen "Dottye" Williams 

July 27, 1940 - December 15, 2023 

Dr. Dorothy “Dottye” Williams passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Friday, December 15, 2023, after an extended illness.

Dottye was a long-time educator who served as a teacher, coach, professor, school administrator, and district administrator for 44 years. During her distinguished career, Dottye served as the first woman Assistant Athletic Director in the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) and was the first secondary administrator to serve as a Principal Appraiser in the same district. In addition, she held positions as principal for 2 middle schools in the district as well as Highlands High School. Prior to her work with SAISD Dottye was a teacher and coach in Harlandale ISD. As a life-long learner and educational leader, Dottye was also a proud graduate of Texas Women’s University and an active Texas A&M University former student.

After retirement from SAISD Dottye devoted her time to Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) where she began her service as an adjunct professor and went on to serve as the Chair of the Education Department.

Among the many recognitions she received over the course of her career are Outstanding Sportswoman of the Year (Express-News); Woman of the Year (3 times) at the Southeast Business and Professional Women’s Club; and she was inducted into the SAISD Sports Hall of Fame – Class of 2016.

After retiring from OLLU, she devoted the bulk of her time to community service through the rotary club, other community organizations, and her church family at Epworth United Methodist Church.

Dottye Williams is preceded in death by her mother, Josephine Williams, father Harry Williams and devoted friend, Ruby Lee McPherson. She is survived by lifelong devoted friends including Jocelyn and Jimmie Eckerman; Cassie Eckerman and Thomas Wall; Cheryl and John Spears; John and Lindsey Spears; Taylor, Gavin, and Grayson Spears; Valerie Clark, Rick Clark, and Megan Lamping; Dominic and Derek Rameriz; Scarlett and Jeremy Lamping,Jr.; and Vicki Johnson.

If you wish to honor Dottye with a memorial gift, please do so with a donation to Epworth United Methodist Church (5718 Pecan Valley Dr. SAT. 78223) or any charity of your choice.