Dora Dean Jackson-Lewis

Dora Dean Jackson-Lewis was born Dora Dean Bivins in Crisp County, town of Cordele, Georgia on July 19,1937 to Tissie Mae Bivins and James Alford. Her early childhood was spent working on a plantation in Georgia beside her mother picking cotton and shucking peanuts. At approximately 7 years old Dora, her brother Johnny Bivins and their mother relocated to upstate New York. They joined Tissie Mae's Brother Ben and nephew Freddie Anderson, along with other family members.
In Schenectady, N.Y, Dora met George L. Jackson Sr., and was married at the age of 16.

From that marriage she bore 5 of her 9 children, 3 daughters and 2 sons. After a lengthy separation which proceeded with a divorce, Dora met Mr. William Porter. With this relationship Dora bore her 6th child, a son. Several years into their relationship the two parted ways where Dora met future second husband Waymen Thaddeus Junior (pop). 3 years into this union Dora bore her 7th child, a son. As a result of this relationship Dora gained 2 additional beautiful daughters. The two spent over 50 years together with the last 10 years being married. In addition to Dora's 9 children she had 2 godchildren, Vickie Walker and Na'lay Mc'Glothan.

Despite not having a higher education, Dora was successful in caring for and supporting all of her children. She worked various jobs, from cleaning houses, caring for, and training different types of birds, and cooking. Dora found love and comfort in the kitchen. She became very known for her southern style cuisine. She was best known for her fried chicken and collard greens, but if asked by her family and friends, everything was the very best. Dora often sold dinners privately and was even hired as a cook in several different places including union college. Dora also worked as a housekeeper at the Holiday Inn, and later took a position at the Ramada Inn where she worked for many years. Due to her meticulous work ethics and ability to lead, it wasn't long before she worked her way up to being the head of the housekeeping department. Dora was so proficient at her job she was awarded employee of the year several years in a row.

Dora had a love of all types of music including, the down home blues, gospel, R&B, and believe it or not some hip hop. She also loved to dance and could swing like no other. From time to time you could catch her in her kitchen dancing all by herself. When asked what she was doing she would smile with a response of "honey i'm doing the dougie".

Dora was a ray of sunshine. Her loving nature and southern hospitality made her a comfort place for people of all ages. Dora was not only a mother to her children but a mother to the community. She would share her history and knowledge with anyone she knew, and let's not forget the good food. No one ever left Dora's house hungry. She was such an inspiration. Her courage, generosity, compassion, love and strength will be truly missed and never forgotten.

Dora battled with kidney failure for over 10 years. She fought a hard fight and made it look easy.
On May 22nd, 2024, at 8:55pm Dora took her last breath. She was 86 years old. She was surrounded by her eldest daughter Lynette Jackson, her eldest granddaughter Tenicia Jackosn-Parish and her eldest great great grandson Jayden Wilkes, 3 generations of love.

Special mentions -we would like to send a special shout out to Dora's granddaughter Chianna Porter. Chianna stepped up to help take care of her grandmother while going through nursing school to become an Lpn and most recently an Rn. During this she was also grieving the loss of her mother Calefia Graves- Porter.

We would also like to give a shout out to Dora's caregivers. Lynette Jackson, Tenicia Jackson-Parish, Carlene Cobbs, Takeylyn Gibson, and anyone else who partook in her care.
We as a family thank you for making Dora's final days feel special, loved, and comfortable. Dora was predeceased by her parents James and Tissa Mae Alford, mother in law Mary Beverly Lewis-Salley, son George Jackson Jr., daughter in law Calefia Graves-Porter, granddaughters Ramae Carter, Nayla Dixon, and a great granddaughter Serenity Smith.

Dora is survived by her husband Wayman T. Lewis Jr., her children Lynette Jackson, Brady Jackson Sr.(LaNette Jackson), Denise Clark (Andre Clark), Linda Jasper (Darien Jasper), Andre Porter, Waymen Lewis the third, Bridget Lewis, Garnette "Regina" Brown. 14 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In appreciation The family would like to express our appreciation and gratitude for your calls, visits, cards, and caring hearts during our time of need.

Services will be held on Friday May 31,2024 at New Bethel Community COGIC, 2020 Broadway, Schenectady, NY. Viewing hours are from 11 am to 1pm, Services will begin at 1 pm, followed by Interment at Evergreen Memorial Park, 2150 Central Avenue, Schenectady, NY.