Dorothy Jean Slade

Harrisburg has lost a beloved member of its community with the passing of Dorothy Jean Slade on August 30, 2023, at the age of 93. Born on August 2, 1930, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Dorothy lived a life filled with love, dedication, and unwavering strength.

Dorothy was a shining example of resilience and determination. She obtained her high school diploma and began her professional career at Olmsted Air Force Base in both Middletown & Marietta, PA. After her position was relocated to Texas, she continued her work in the Federal Government at the Naval Supply Activity (NSA) base in Mechanicsburg, PA. After taking some time off with her youngest child, she then embarked on a rewarding career working diligently for Quaker Oats, where she was the first black employee, and also was the first person of color to win the service excellence award, which she was very proud of. Dorothy was known for her outstanding work ethic and kind-hearted nature, which earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues. She was then able to retire early to be a caregiver to her mother and grandchildren.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dorothy was a loving and devoted wife to Rufus Slade Jr., who preceded her in death, and mother to her three children: Rosalyn Proctor, Yvonne Jackson, and Ronald Edward Slade (Jackie). She was also a cherished grandmother to Aaron Slade, John Proctor II (Audria), Jocelyn Branam (Jonathan), Dale Warren (Amanda), Ronald Edward Slade II, Chelsey Slade, and great-grandmother to Maurice Dantzler, LaQuan Mills, Keara Burnett, Aaron Slade Jr., Nyla Branam, Jaxson Branam, Miles Russell, Ronald Edward Slade III, Donavan Warren, Brendan Warren, and Quentin Warren. As well as a host of great-great grandchildren, God-children, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. While there are too many to list, some special relationships to mention were her daily 8am wake call, Linda McClendon, God-son, Patrick McClendon, God-sister, Margaret Kellum-Jacobs, brother-in-law Irvin Slade, sister-in-law Helen Bryant, and nieces Karen Jackson and Alfreda Woodyard.

Dorothy's presence illuminated every room she entered, and her love radiated to all who knew her. Additionally, she deeply valued the importance of family, instilling these values in her descendants. Dorothy was a proud breast cancer survivor. You would often see her in her signature "pink" or wearing a breast cancer awareness ribbon. When possible she would support this cause with honor.

To celebrate Dorothy's remarkable life, family and friends are invited to attend the public viewing, which will take place at Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church on September 7, 2023, at 9:30 am. A funeral service to honor and remember her extraordinary journey will follow at the church at 11:00 am.

Dorothy will find her final resting place at Fisher & Clement Avenue in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, a serene location where her spirit may forever find solace.

Though we mourn the loss of an incredible woman, let us come together in joyous celebration of Dorothy Jean Slade's life, appreciating the immeasurable impact she had on our community and the lives she touched. Her legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering strength will forever be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be sent to Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church (https://goodwinmemorialbc.org/) or the Susan G. Komen Foundation (https://www.komen.org/) for breast cancer research in Dorothy's memory.

May she rest in eternal peace.