DOROTHY LEE PATTERSON DAY EDUCATIONAL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP | Mr. & Mrs. William and Crystal Day Hawkins

Contact: Mr. & Mrs. William and Crystal Day Hawkins

Dorothy Lee Patterson Day was born on September 4, 1925 in Memphis, Tennessee, to parents Robert and Nellie Wright Chandler Patterson, who were born 22 years after enslaved people were freed. Her family faced difficulties at times, but she persevered. Dorothy was educated in public schools in Chicago, Illinois, and Memphis, Tennessee.

She married Robert Edward Day Sr., and they were blessed with several children together. Dorothy was a wonderful homemaker and dedicated herself to her family. She volunteered for many years at the Marillac House in Chicago, where she worked under the leadership of Sister Mary Williams and Little Sisters of the Poor. During this time, she enrolled her sons in various sports, her daughters in arts, crafts, and dance, and obtained her catering certificate by sending her sons and daughters to camps associated with the school, church, and boys’ club.

Dorothy became actively involved in the Civil Rights movement and had the honor of marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1966. Tragically, she became a widow in 1969. She was a member of Operation Breadbasket, which was later renamed Operation Push, led by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. During this period, she catered many banquet dinners for family events.

Throughout her life, Dorothy worked in various fields, including catering and social work At the University of Illinois in Chicago. She tirelessly devoted her time and effort to help anyone in need. As a mother and grandmother, she was always there for her family, offering support and love.

Prior to her illness, my mother was employed as a social work assistant, where she provided support to single women seeking to return to educational programs and secure employment to achieve independence and stability for themselves and their households.

Dorothy’s life came to an end on February 6, 1983, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched. In honor of her legacy, we have established the Dorothy Lee Patterson Day Educational Memorial Scholarship Fund in her memory. Thank you to the Rock Valley College Board of Directors for your support.