Dorothy Jane Lancaster

Dorothy Jane Lancaster peacefully departed this life on Thursday, September 9, 2021. Born May 18, 1946 in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Dorothy was educated in Montgomery County Public Schools. Dorothy graduated from Gaithersburg High School in 1964. In the year 1967, Dorothy started working for Holiday Tyler Printing Company and was employed there for 20 years. In September of 1987, Dorothy took a job at Balmar Printing Company and was employed there for 15 years until she retired in August of 2002 due to health issues. Dorothy was known as “Dot” or “Twin”.

Dorothy was married at an early age to the late Bernard Lancaster, Jr. Growing up Dorothy was never seen without her twin Dora. For 64 years they were always together especially on May 18 to celebrate their birthday together. In 1971 Dorothy was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Christal.

Dorothy traveled all over the states with her twin and other family members. Dorothy’s daughter Christal traveled often with her mom and still today carries her mom’s legacy of traveling. Dorothy was a die-hard Washington Redskins fan. Family would gather at “Dot’s house” for the games and super bowl parties. Dorothy’s family, and close friends would gather at her home in the basement for parties and gatherings as well. Dorothy always had the basement set up for special occasions. At the end of each occasion, Dorothy would make sure before leaving her home that family and friends serenaded her with singing, and she would choose a selective solo for each individual.

Dorothy loved singing and dancing, in fact Dot and Dora won many dance contests back in the day. In the year 1960 Dorothy sung in a family group called the “Volunteer Singers” and in 1964 more members joined the choir and the name was changed to the “Gospelettes”. The Gospelettes stayed together for over 50 years singing praises to the community. Dorothy was the President and Music Director of the choir. Dorothy was a faithful member of Emory Grove United Methodist church.

Dorothy had a love for all music especially Gospel and R&B. Some of her favorite singers were Albertina Walker, Luther Barnes, and Winfield Parker. Dorothy also loved James Brown, Sam Cooke, and Aretha Franklin. Dorothy had the opportunity of going to Aretha Franklin’s funeral with her niece, Helene and to Albertina Walker’s funeral with her twin, Dora. Dorothy was the founder of the Taylor Family Reunion. For many years she was a caretaker and opened her home to many who needed a place to stay.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memories one daughter, Christal; godson, Kevin (Natasha) Taylor; special niece, Helene Thompson; six sisters, Priscilla Scott, Thelma Scott, Barbara Mae Taylor, Carolyn Taylor, Ellen (Sagundo) Silva, and Joan Owens; one uncle, Rev. Cyrus (Geraldine) Taylor and one aunt, Etta Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Dorothy is proceeded in death by her parents; George and Ellen Owens, two sisters, Doris Riggs and her twin, Dora Settles.

A private service will follow the visitation.

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