Dorothy D. Belton

Dorothy “Dottie” Dolores Speights Belton  was born on February 15, 1943 in Aurora, North Carolina  to Lea Polly Speights and John Jones. Dorothy was one of 21 children. She  passed away on Thursday,  August 25, 2022,  at her residence, under the tender care of her loving husband, Richard C. Belton.

She moved from Aurora, North Carolina  to Queens, New York  to complete her education; living with her big brother Malton Speights and his wife Thelma. Dottie as she was affectionately known as graduated from high school in Queens, New York. She continued her education by gaining several certificates for Business Management and an Associate Degree from Fordham University.

Dottie started working for the New York Telephone Company as a 411 operator in 1962, gradually working her way up to being Director of Employment; working at 1095 Avenue of the Americas for many years before retiring in 1998. She was called back by Verizon in 2007 through an independent contractor to be the Director of Educational Services on Bridge St. (downtown Brooklyn, New York). She retired once again from Verizon in 2010 and began working for the Board of Elections until she officially retired in 2013. Dottie explored business ventures. With her love and sense of fashion, she opened up her own traveling boutique.

Dottie met the love of her life, Richard C. Belton and they were married on December 18, 1975. They resided in Brooklyn, New York  for many years, where they raised their son Derrick L. Belton , lovingly known as “Derry”. Dottie was a member of James Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn, New York, for many years. Dottie and Richard retired and returned to Ruffin, South Carolina in 2018, to enjoy the ease of southern living and the dream home that her husband had built for them.

Dottie loved to cook, always trying new and tasty recipes. She loved to play cards with her loved ones, especially her sisters , and sisters-in-laws. She loved to dress up and attend Masonic Temple functions and parties with her husband and dance the night away. She loved to sew, dance, sing some oldies and especially go shopping. Dottie had a sense of style and elegance that was always ahead of the times and an inspiration to all that knew her, especially her niece and best friend, Ola Green who was her traveling/shopping partner. 

Dottie cherished her family and friends and was always there if you needed her - with a word of encouragement, solution to a problem, idea, ode of praise or stern reprimand to get you back on track. She wanted the best for her loved ones and pushed us all to see our own potential and strengths. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Derrick L. Belton; her siblings, Malton Speights, Magnora, Susie,  seventeen others and a  sister-in-law, Thelma.

Dottie leaves behind her loving husband,  Richard C. Belton of Ruffin, SC; sister Eula Speights of Aurora, NC; sisters-in-law,  Ida M. Washington  of  White Plains, NY, Iris Syphrette of Orangeburg, SC, Gemmalia A. Belton  of Yonkers, NY, Alice C. Jackson  of Ruffin, SC, Myrna B. Moore  of Ruffin, SC, Rose E. (McCarthy) Jones  of Orangeburg, SC, Nina Speights of Virginia Beach, VA; brothers-in-law, Archie B. Belton of Ruffin, SC, Grant J. Belton of White Plains, NY, Gerald M. Belton of White Plains, NY, Valdosta Belton of Mt. Vernon, NY; her nieces, JoAnna Pirkle of Queens, NY, affectionately known as “Josie”, Colette Pirkle of Baltimore, MD, affectionately known as “Monkey”, Brenda Dolores Speights of Virginia Beach, VA, affectionately known as “Bren”, Ola Green of Virginia Beach, VA;  nephew/godson, Terrance O. (Michelle) Jones of Baldwin, NY; nephew, Denzel J. Greene of Brooklyn, NY,  affectionately known as “Denden”;  great-niece, Tiaira Pirkle-Joseph of Queens, NY, affectionately known as “Devilina”; goddaughter , Elvia Yolani Laing of Brooklyn, NY;  godson, Richard Jackson of Lumbington, NC  and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that will miss her dearly. 

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