Dorothy McKinnon

DOROTHY BARRY-MCKINNON, lovingly known as "Mama", "Dot", "Sista", "Dottie", "Goggie", and "Grandma", was born November 26, 1933 in Buffalo, New York to the Hughie and Florida Tyson-Barry.  At an early age she accepted Christ at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.  Her heavenly father always had his hands on her.  On May 24, 2018 he wrapped her in his bosom as she departed this life.

Dorothy obtained her education through the Buffalo Public School system and graduated from Fosdick-Masten High School, in Buffalo, New York.  She was united in Holy Matrimony in 1952 to her childhood sweetheart, the late Arthur J. Mc Kinnon Sr., for 53 years and to that union three children were born.  After various career changes and a lengthy employment at Buffalo General Hospital's X-ray department, she retired in 1996 from this position as file clerk.

During her retirement she was able to fully engage in her creative skills of cooking.  Many would attest, Dorothy was an excellent cook!  She enjoyed preparing dinner parties for family and friends whom she always welcomed into her home.  In a home always filled with music, her love for music was expansive; she enjoyed R&B, Soft Rock and Gospel.  Some of her favorite artist:  Marvin Gaye, Lou Rawls, Barbara Steisand, Donnie McClurkin, and Keisha Cole, just to name a few.  "Walking in Rhythm", by Donald Byrd and the Black Byrd's, was a favorite she loved to hear.  Dorothy was an avid reader, who would often read aloud to her children in their young years.  She always remained a promoter of educational advancement.

Dorothy Barry McKinnon loved her family. She was passionate about treating everyone with love, respect, and support.  She understood you wherever you  were in life, sharing her love through her wisdom, spiritually and financially; she was a counselor to many.

She adored her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, as well as her neighbor's children.  Always willing to help whenever needed, she cared for and showed motherly love to everyone.

Dorothy was preceded in death by brothers Hughie Barry Jr., Earl F. Barry, and Fletcher Edward Barry; Sisters-In-Law Helen Barry, Cora L. Harrington, Bernice McKinnon, and Juanita McKinnon; Brothers-In-Law Alward Singletary , John H. Townsel, and Ernest McKinnon; and Son-In-Law John L. Chesson, Sr.

Her love and affection will always be remembered and cherished by her three children Deborah Chesson of Buffalo, N.Y., Arthur J. Jr. (Brenda), and Dana Johnson of Atlanta, GA; one sister Ella Louise Singletary; and two Sisters-In-Law Berthenia, and Virlee Townsel; one Brother-In-Law Joseph (Michelle), all of Buffalo, N.Y.; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; a devoted niece Darlene Johnson of Buffalo, N.Y.; and a host nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family will receive friends Thursday, May 31, 2018, 11am at Friendship Baptist Church, 402 Clinton St. Funeral to follow at 12 noon. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery. 

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