Mother Dorothy Griswell (June 5, 1943 – December 12, 2025)

Visitation: Friday, December 19, 2025
Visitation Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Visitation Location: Postell’s Mortuary Chapel
811 North Powers Drive
Orlando, Florida

Service Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Service Time: 10:00 AM
Service Location: Malone Memorial Church of God in Christ
401 S. Ivey Lane
Orlando, Florida

Obituary:

Mother Dorothy Griswell, 82, of Orlando, entered her eternal rest on Friday, December 12, 2025. Dorothy was born on June 5, 1943 in Green Cove Spring, FL to the late Lorene and Asbury Thomas.

After completing her formal education, Dorothy continued her education and later earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Florida A&M University, Tallahassee. Professionally, Dorothy served her community as an educator, and taught for over 40 years with Sumter County Public Schools. Her career allowed her to impact countless students at Webster Elementary School. She was awarded as “Teacher of Year” at Webster Elementary during her time there. Her devotion to the craft was driven by her enthusiasm for positively impacting students and working alongside other passionate educators.

She was an active and faithful member of Malone Memorial COGIC, Orlando, serving willingly on the Mother’s Board and in several other capacities over the years. Aside from her church involvement, Dorothy found time to be active in both civic and professional organizations. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Stars Buds of Promise, the Alpha Phi Chapter of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority Inc., and the National Hook Up of Black Women.

Dorothy leaves no mourners for she lived a rich Christian life among loving and devoted family and friends, regardless of race, creed or color, just loved by all. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Gaines; son, Alonzo (Michelle) Griswell; 2 brothers, Jimmie (Altamese) S. Thomas, Murry (Thelma) Holloman; 2 grandchildren; other relatives and friends. She will live on in the hearts and minds of her family, former students, colleagues, sorority sisters and numerous friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 4-6 PM at the mortuary. The last rites of the Order of Eastern Stars with begin at 6 PM, followed by Gamma Phi Delta Sorority Inc. at 7PM at the mortuary. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, 10:00 AM at Malone Memorial Church of God in Christ, 401 S. Ivey Lane, Orlando with Rev. Dr. J. Roy Morrison, officiating. Interment: Washington Park Cemetery, Orlando.