In Loving Memory of Dorothy Pugh

January 8, 1948 – December 6, 2025

Dorothy Pugh was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished pillar of family and community. Born in Manning, South Carolina, she was raised in a large, close-knit family that instilled in her a lifelong belief that family was everything.

Dorothy later migrated to New York City, where she attended Thomas Jefferson High School and built a life rooted in hard work, ambition, and service. She married Ivory Pugh, and together they welcomed their son, Gary Pugh. Years later, she became the proud mother of Samantha Pugh.

Committed to growth and excellence, Dorothy earned an Associate Degree in Accounting and Business Management from Borough of Manhattan Community College. She spent much of her career at the Center for Children and Families, where she rose from bookkeeper to Chief Financial Officer, serving the organization with integrity until her retirement in 2004. She later became Executive Director of East New York Family Day Care, successfully leading the organization before returning to South Carolina to enjoy retirement.

In 2018, Dorothy was diagnosed with dementia. Even then, she faced life with quiet strength and grace, choosing dignity, resilience, and love until her passing. She was later surrounded by family in New York, where she passed peacefully.

Dorothy was deeply devoted to family and community. One of ten siblings, she often referred to her cousins as brothers and sisters. She held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews—one of whom affectionately nicknamed her “Suge,” a testament to her calm authority and matriarchal presence.

She loved family cookouts, card games, Atlantic City trips, college football, music, and fashion. Her joy was found in togetherness—laughter around the table, friendly competition at the card table, and celebrations that brought everyone together.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory her children Gary Pugh (Patricia), Samantha Pugh, and Sassy; her grandchildren James Pethel, Star-Asia Taliaferro, Brittney Pethel, and Gigi; her godchildren Ronald Pugh, Darryl Pugh, Almarie McCoy, and Shaunte Miller; her sisters Eula Pugh, Ruth Pugh (David), Carolyn Miller, and Sharon Miller; her sisters-in-law Lydia Miller, Miriam Miller, and Sheila Hines; her brother Harold Lee; her beloved bonus family Patricia Mangrum, Melissa Mangrum, Tiffany Pugh, Shea Pugh, Aurora Juste-Louis, and Shea Pugh, Jr.; and more than fifty nieces and nephews, by blood and by bond.

Dorothy Pugh lived a life marked by strength, generosity, elegance, and love. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the lives she touched, and the community she helped hold together.

🦋 Like a butterfly released, she rises—free, transformed, whole, and at peace.

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