Dorothy Mae Vasser-Whitley's Obituary
Dorothy Mae Vasser-Whitley, lovingly known as “Dot” was born in Aberdeen,
Mississippi on August 11, 1935 to the union of Clarence and Effie Arlene Fort.
She was the oldest of three daughters that included Thelma Jean and Shirley
Ann. Dot’s parents and Thelma Jean preceded her in death.
Dot professed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and she attended
Shivers High School.
At the tender age of fifteen, Dot began her married life with her beloved, Willie
Gene Vasser, Sr. They united on January 6, 1951 and shortly after moved to
Saint Louis, Missouri; together they raised their three devoted children, Willie
Gene Vasser, Jr. “Butch”, Stephen Ray “Steve” and Carla Maria, along with
raising a loving nephew, Robert L. Brand. Dot and Willie were married forty-five
years until the death of Willie on September 15, 1996. Dot’s first son, Butch
also preceded her in death. While married and raising children, Dot worked full
time as an Unit Manager in the emergency room of Cardinal Glennon
Memorial Hospital for Children. After forty dedicated years of employment she
retired in 1998. Shortly after retirement, Dot reconnected with her childhood
friend, Walter E. Whitley. They courted, fell in love and were blessed with a
beautiful wedding on May 26, 2001. Walt brought life, love and adventure into
Dot’s life. He was a loving husband, caretaker and protector until she
departed this life on August 2, 2020.
Dot was a meticulous and beautiful woman. She had her own classic style and
loved all genre of music. She was gifted with the ability to knit, sew, crochet,
she had an eye for colors and was a phenomenal cook. She loved cooking for
her family and her family loved her cooking. Dot welcomed everyone into her
home with a fabulous meal. If she fed you, you were definitely part of the
family. Dot loved the Lord and carried a servants heart and a grateful spirit.
Dot was a member of Gallilee Missionary Baptist Church, Bridgeton Baptist
Church and Compton Hill Missionary Baptist Church. She has served as a
Deaconess and Usher in the Women Ministries and many others until illness
confined her to her home.
Sweet memories will linger with: her devoted husband of nineteen years ~
Walter E. Whitley; sister ~ Shirley Bazemore-White; children ~ Stephen
(Chanita) Vasser and Carla (Ron) Trammell; grandchildren ~ Jason (Tonya)
Vasser- Elong, Jada (Gary) Bell, Wendi Trammell, Stephen Vasser, II, Pete
(Noelle) Trammell, Wesley (Brianna) Trammell, Caitlin Vasser, Chazz Vasser,
and Nikki Trammell; sixteen great grandchildren; and a host of loving family
and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorothy?
Share a story where Dorothy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorothy you’ll never forget.
How did Dorothy make you smile?
