Dorothy Roberts Obituary – Tallahassee Democrat

Dorothy “Dottie” S. Roberts passed away surrounded by family on May 22, 2023 from complications of acute myeloid leukemia. She battled courageously for nearly four years. Born in Tallahassee, Fla. to Tommy and Bettye Roberts on Oct. 3, 1955, Dottie lived a rich life knowing she had been blessed from the day she was born.

After receiving her M.B.A from Florida State University, Dottie spent much of her life taking care of her family and those she loved, and of people in need. She taught business, finance and human resources classes for 18 years at Flagler College in Tallahassee, and provided financial support to her husband’s lobbying firm for more than 20 years. She was a strong believer in volunteerism, particularly at Maclay School, Flagler College, Leon County Schools and most recently with Florida Guardian ad Litem. She also volunteered her time with the Architectural Review Committee at St. George Island Plantation for several years and served on the Board of Directors at the St. George Lighthouse Association.

A known partisan Democrat and born feminist, Dottie was an intelligent, strong-willed, compassionate, powerful woman with a dynamic and fun sense of humor. Lover of the outdoors, especially on the coast, Dottie enjoyed spending free time at her home at St. George Island and frequently vacationed at Kiawah and Jekyll Islands with her family.

Dottie’s homemade freshly picked fruit jams, cream cheese pound cakes and cooking soothed many souls over her lifetime. Inclusive to all, she was an expert host, generously bringing together hundreds of people to celebrate various achievements and holidays at her farmhouse and beach house over the years. All who knew her admired her natural ability to extend invitations and entertain guests so effortlessly. A reader, athlete, educator, historian, writer, lover of music-Dottie’s family describes her as a true Renaissance woman. She never stopped furthering her education with writing, cooking, art, language, music and law classes.

Above all things, Dottie adored her family, most recently earning the grandmother title, “DotDot”, and will be deeply missed by her loved ones. Up until her passing, she stayed present and engaged in her loved ones’ lives.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Doug Bruce; Son, William Bruce and wife, Jennifer, of Atlanta; Daughter, Rachel Bruce and husband, Brian Cummons, beloved grandson Elliott Douglas, of Jacksonville; Sister, Linda Champion, her daughters, Jamie Mongiovi and husband Joseph, son Holden; and Morgan Dickinson and husband Christian, daughter Darcy; Sister, Cherie Rowland and husband, Brian; Brother, Tommy Roberts, his sons, Thomas Roberts and wife Sarah, their children; Jonathan Roberts; Lawson Roberts and wife Shelby, their daughter; and Marshall Roberts and his children; And lifelong family friend for whom she was named, Dorothy “Dot” Binger.

She is also survived by close friends and many Bruce family members, and by her much-loved companion Golden Retriever, Baci.

Dottie’s family will celebrate her life privately. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choosing. Dottie’s favorites were Florida State University Musical Associates, Trinity United Methodist Church and Planned Parenthood.

Dottie and her family extend special thanks to the Hematology Department at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville – Dr. James Foran, Nurse Practitioners Sidney Bianco and Katie Hanratty, and Nurse Erin.