Mother Dorothy Lee Shorter King of 806 South 5th Street, Cordele, Georgia, died Thursday, October 30, 2025, at her residence.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 12:00 Noon in the sanctuary of the New Oak Grove Baptist Church in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.

Mother Dorothy Lee Shorter King was a beloved matriarch whose life was a testament to faith, family, and community. She was born on  February 25, 1934, in Crisp County, to Mr. Clem Shorter, Sr., and Mrs. Jeffie Lamar Shorter, both of whom preceded her in death. She received her education at the Holsey-Cobb Institute in Crisp County, where her journey of learning and spiritual growth began. Affectionately known to many as "Miss Fish" or "Ma Fish," she was a beloved figure in her family and community.

From an early age, "Ma Fish" embraced her faith with conviction, accepting Christ as her personal Savior. She became a member of the Zion Hope Baptist Church in Wenona, Georgia, where she dedicated herself to serving others. Her roles included being an usher and chairing the Program Committee for many years. Later, she joined the St. King Missionary Baptist Church, where she was honored to serve as Church Mother, a role she fulfilled with grace and devotion.

"Ma Fish" was a nurturing force in her family, raising her children, grandchildren, and even some of her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was proud to witness the flourishing of five generations, a legacy that speaks to her strength and love.

Music was a significant part of her life. She found joy in listening to and dancing to all kinds of music, and she cherished singing old hymns, congregational songs, and gospel tunes. Her favorite song, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," was a testament to her vibrant spirit and love for life.

On Thursday, October 30, 2025, our beloved peacefully transitioned at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was predeceased by her husband, Elder Charlie James King, Sr.; her son, Mr. Chester King, Sr.; her son-in-law, Reverend J. Willie Daniels; and her siblings, Mrs. Lula Mae (James) Smith, Mrs. Clara Bell (George) Royal, Mrs. Eola (Shedrick) Mack, Miss Velma T. Shorter, Mrs. Mattie Shorter Carter, Mr. Lamar "Peter" Shorter, Mr. Thomas Shorter, Mr. Clem Shorter, Jr., Mr. Lend Bell Shorter, and Mr. King Lamar Shorter.

Mother Dorothy Lee Shorter King's legacy is one of love, faith, and  community, and she will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. Cherished memories are left with her loving and devoted children: Ms. Dorothy J. King of Cordele, Georgia, Mr. Charlie James (Deborah) King, Jr. of Perry, Georgia, Mr. Randy Lee (Rosie) King of Fayetteville, Georgia, Reverend Joyce Daniels of Vienna, Georgia, Mr. Jerome (Brenda) King of Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. Brenda (Charles) Jones of Cordele, Georgia, Mr. Johnny Bernard (Dr. Kasandra) King of Warner Robins, Georgia, Mrs. Rosie Marie (Deacon Bennie) Howard, and Mr. Tony Louis (Michelle) King of Cordele, Georgia;  a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Patricia King of Cordele, Georgia; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, her special cousins, Mrs. Annie Bell Artis and Mr. Willie James Poole of Tampa, Florida, and Reverend Eddie B. and Mrs. Shelly Henley of Orange Park, Florida; a host of other relatives, and many friends, to include The    Kellogg Family, the staff at Crisp Regional Hospice & Palliative Care, who provided compassionate care and her baby dolls, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.