Deaconess Dorothy Helen Middleton Prioleau, daughter of the late Oliver Middleton, Sr. and Ada Legree Middleton, was born on March 27, 1940 in St. Stephen, South Carolina. She entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 4, 2021.

Dorothy received her education and graduated from Russellville High School, Class of 1957.

At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and joined St. Stephen Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Henry Haskell. She later joined Bethlehem Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W.H. Manigault.

She was joined in Holy Matrimony to Deacon Benjamin Prioleau, Jr. on June 29, 1957. This union was blessed with five children. A grandson, Jacquez M. Prioleau was also reared in the home.

Dorothy was very active and well known in her community and surrounding areas. She served actively and faithfully in several organizations until her health failed.  She was the Secretary of the Usher Board for many years, President of the Senior Choir, Missionary President, Antioch Choir member, Assistant Secretary of the Antioch Association, a member of the Pulpit Aid Committee and was also the Advisor for the Youth Crusaders of Bethlehem Baptist Church and the Antioch Association.

Dorothy joined the Laurel Hill Chapter #257, Order of the Eastern Star in 1967, serving for 53 years. She held the position of Conductress, then Worthy Matron for four of those years. From this organization, The Six Sisters, originally known as The Six Star Sisters, came into being.

Dorothy worked at Jamestown Wool Mill, Albany International and then for the Berkeley County School District as a bus driver and substitute teacher until retirement.

In the community, Dorothy served diligently as a member of the Alvin Recreation Board and was on the cooking committee for the Brother's Connection of Alvin, SC. She was a member of the W.I.R.E. of Berkeley Electric Cooperative. Dorothy served as a member of the Alvin Tri-County Seniors as well as the NAACP. Her hobbies included singing, cooking and gardening.

Those left to cherish precious memories of her are: her children, Darlene P. (Henry I.) McKelvey of St. Stephen, SC, Lydia F. (Daniel) Kinlaw of Alvin, SC, Benjamin S. Prioleau III of St. Stephen, SC, Samuel E. Prioleau of Alvin, SC, Theaudis C. (Shannon) Prioleau of Alexandria, VA and Jacquez M. (Kimberly) Prioleau of Alvin, SC; two brothers, Earl D. (Gloria Jean) Middleton of Severn, MD and Leon (Cynthia) Middleton of Moncks Corner, SC; one sister, Louella (Eddie) Williams of Walterboro, SC; three sisters-in-law,  Ethel (Clarence) Gethers, Clara (Dan, Jr.) Brown and Ella Middleton; two aunts, Viola Shaw of St. Stephen, SC and Katie Barron of Jacksonville, FL; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a special nephew and niece, Corey and Kendra Giles; and a host of caring nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

She also leaves to cherish her memories: a special godson, Minister Malcolm Lampkin; special friends, Mrs. Christine Vice, Ms. Blanche Amos, Mrs. Elanore Beauford, Ms. Georgia Green, Ms. Eartha Dingle, Mr. Oliver & Mrs. Joann Prioleau, Ms. Willie Mae Nelson, Ms. Delores Simmons and Mr. Lance Giles;  and special caregivers, Jacqueline Prioleau and Juliette Howell.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Deacon Benjamin Prioleau, Jr; her parents, Oliver and Ada Middleton; and two brothers, Oliver and Harvey Middleton.

Viewing will be held Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.at Gethers St. Stephen Chapel, 221 Church Road, St. Stephen, SC. Graveside Services will be held Sunday, January 10, 2021 at 12:00 p.m., at Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, 2449 Santee River Road, St. Stephen, SC, with viewing from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The service will be live-streamed on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh

As per CDC guidelines for COVID-19, please wear a face mask and practice social distancing at the viewing and the service.