Dorothy Irene Person, a woman of impeccable taste, zest for life, and adventurous spirit, passed away at the age of 92 after a period of declining health. With her elegant bearing, beautiful crown of white hair, and warm, friendly presence, she was a cherished fixture in her San Francisco neighborhood.

Born in 1931 in Lisman, Alabama to a household that included a formerly enslaved grandmother, Dorothy embodied courage and independence from an early age. Her family relocated to Meridian, Mississippi during her childhood, where she came of age. She earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Mississippi’s storied Alcorn State University after winning early admission.

In 1954, her quest for new horizons led her to San Francisco, a city that would become her beloved, lifelong home. In her early years there, Dorothy served a three-year tour of duty in the U.S. Army. While enlisted, she was the Military Police Unit’s first and the only female soldier. Subsequently, she worked in both personnel and the communications command center. After retiring from the Army on a Friday afternoon, she seamlessly transitioned into a civilian career that eventually spanned decades. In fact, when Dorothy returned to Fort Mason the Monday morning following the previous Friday’s retirement, it was to perform the same job that she’d performed three days before as a soldier. Quoting from an interview with Lehia Franklin Acox, Dorothy stated, "Because of the Army, I never had to look for a job, or go on a job interview." Deeply committed to her work and fiercely patriotic, this one and only career was a testament to her dedication and loyalty.

Ever curious, Dorothy further expanded her educational and intellectual horizons by earning a second bachelor's degree in history from the University of San Francisco.

Throughout her life, Dorothy maintained a close relationship with her mother, Amelia Bishop, who was a constant source of support and inspiration. In 1998, Dorothy met her equally stylish match in children's book illustrator and graphic designer, Peter Plasencia. The two were romantic companions for nine years until his untimely death.

Beyond her professional life and cherished relationships, Dorothy was a true renaissance woman. An oenophile, she studied wine with passion. A fashionista, she exuded sophistication. A green thumb, she delighted in leading a neighborhood tree planting project in Cole Valley, tending her garden, and serving as a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. An intrepid explorer, she visited destinations both near and far. An engaging host, she loved entertaining and engaging in delightful conversations.

Her roots stayed firmly planted in faith, and her spirit remained rooted in curiosity as a voracious reader who avidly clipped articles. While she never had children of her own, she surrounded herself with friends and loved ones who became her chosen family.

Dorothy's life was a tapestry woven with threads of courage, integrity, wonder and joy. From humbly turning down a Tuskegee airman's marriage proposal to boldly embracing travel abroad, she lived life on her own terms. Her warmth, grace, and the indelible impact she left on all who knew her will be dearly missed.

Dorothy is survived by her first cousin, Maurine Knighton, and a host of cherished friends and neighbors.

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