Barbara Jean Dorsey, formerly Stewart, passed away at home on Sunday, August 4, 2024. She was born the third of six children to parents Eric E. and Willetta E. Stewart (Foster) on January 31, 1943.

Barbara was a 1960 graduate of JP McCaskey High School. Before retiring, she worked as a Service Representative for Bell Telephone. She was an active and dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed volunteering and spending time with her church family.

Barbara found great joy in a variety of hobbies, including knitting, reading, and tending to her beloved flowers. Her green thumb was well-known among her friends and family, and she took great pride in caring for her plants. Barbara also had a passion for genealogy, dedicating time to tracing her family history and connecting with her roots. Additionally, she loved trivia, always eager to learn new facts and challenge herself.

Barbara was a proud member of the African American Historical Society of Central Pennsylvania, where she contributed to preserving and celebrating African American heritage and history. Late in life, she developed a keen interest in the Gullah Geechee people of the Southeastern United States and dreamed of tracing her ancestry to the enslaved Western and Central Africans. Though she never realized this dream, she marveled at the possibility of one day walking in the footsteps of those who came before her.

Barbara listed her greatest accomplishments as the birth of her daughter Allyson and the birth of her grandson Alex

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Allyson Hershock (Hudgins), wife of Robert, of Lancaster; her grandson, Alex Hudgins-Bowman, companion of Roselynn, of Lancaster, who affectionately referred to her as Ninny (pronounced NeeNee); her sister, Marian L. Ford of Columbia; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Carol Branch, Michael Jackson, Eric F. Stewart, and Joe Jackson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 31 S. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602. Family and friends will be received from 10 AM until the time of service. A private interment will follow in the church Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania at www.aahsscpa.org.