Dorothy Mae Calister

Dorothy Mae Calister was born on February 19, 1924, to parents Harry and Virginia (Bryson) Robinson. She was the fourth of six children. She attended and graduated from Shawsville School in her hometown of Shawsville, Virginia. Dorothy left small-town life and moved to Michigan with her husband Clarence Sherman, where she was a socialite during the Detroit African-American boom of the early 1940s. She later relocated to Des Moines, Iowa to join her mother and siblings. Dorothy married Harry Sanders who owned a prominent barber shop. As business owners, both were heavily involved in the community. Dorothy was a member of the Vogettes Club and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was an avid bowler. She was a member of Corinthian Baptist Church, and served as greeter for the church congregation. Dorothy also volunteered as a Foster Grandmother after retirement in 1990. Dorothy was a dedicated daughter, loving sister, and a devoted wife to her late husband David Calister. She found most joy in being Aunt Dot to her many nieces and nephews. She was the aunt who spoiled her loved ones. On June 19, 2022, Dorothy joined in heaven, her parents; two brothers, Delmas Johnson and Herbert Robinson; three sisters, Beatrice Mills, Alice Western, and Catherine Talton. She is survived by a host of nieces and nephews; all whom loved her dearly and will never forget her charm, grace, and elegance.