Handy, Dorothy (Mrs. William Talbot)
2/5/1989
| Dorothy Pleasant Handy was born in Copiah County, Mississippi on October 20, 1896. She was happily married to the Reverend Doctor William lhlbot Handy, Sr. for more than 63 years. He preceded her in death on February 1, 1983. Mrs. Handy believed that since God blessed her abundantly, she should be a blessing to others. Hers was a rich and full life because she gave so much of herself to the church, community, and everything that was good and noble. She was educated at Dillard University and her love and support of that institution never waned. Her proficiency in music was demonstrated in many of her husband’s pastorates; she was especially interested in working with children and youth in the areas of music and Christian education. Mrs. Handy always played a supportive role in her husband’s ministry. She never sought recognition, but there was literally nothing that she would not do to enhance his ministry and his Status among his peers. Her children have risen up and called her blessed, and rightly so. She was a strong, hard-working, sacrificial and loving parent. Her children excelled largely because of her encouragement, patience, and insistence. A memorial service for Mrs. Handy was conducted at the Mount Zion United Methodist Church, New Orleans, February 11, 1989. She passed from death to life on February 5, 1989. There is no way to adequately and accurately evaluate her impact on her husband, children, church and community. She, though small in physical stature, was too big in spirit, determination and accomplishments to be evaluated in human terms. I had the rare privilege to serve as Mrs. Handy’s pastor for five years. I can honestly say that she was a far greater pastor to me than I to her. I never left her without feeling that I had indeed communed with the Eternal. She knew God intimately through His Son, Jesus Christ. She loved the church completely, and she loved her pastor(s) sincerely. She was supportive of the church until her summons came. What a woman! What a lady! What a wife! What a church worker! What a friend! Thank God for Dorothy Pleasant Handy. |
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| Source: Journal Louisiana Conference, 1989, p.183 By Alfred L. Norris | |
