Dorothy Mae Dailey

God, in his divine wisdom, power, and tender mercy, summoned home Dorothy Mae Dailey, age 86, of New Haven on Monday, November 21, 2022 surrounded by her loving family at the Willows. Dorothy, or “Ma” as she was affectionately known, was born in Winnabow, NC on February 18,1936, daughter of the late Presoleon and Eva Mae Bell. She relocated to New Haven with her late husband Harry Lee Dailey in order to raise her 8 children. She was previously employed at Seamless Rubber as a machine operator, Parkview Convalescent Home as a nurse’s aide and Yale New Haven Hospital as a clinical chemistry lab assistant where she worked for many years until her retirement. Dorothy was the true epitome of a matriarch. Any home she resided in was always the meeting place for family functions. She loved her family fiercely, never missing any event in which one of her “seeds” was a part of. She had a special affinity for the color red and always stepped out stylishly dressed. She enjoyed cooking and watching her New York Yankees, especially her favorite player, Derek Jeter. She was a faithful, long-time member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the missionary board. She was one of a kind and will be missed immensely by all who loved her. She is survived by daughters Nora Dailey, Eva Smith (Vince), Molly, Tharetta, and Vesta Dailey; her one and only son, Harry Dailey; Godchildren Charles Wilkerson and Lawanda Griffin; 18 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren all of New Haven; brother John Bell of New Haven; sisters Martha James (Robert) and Emma Bellamy (Thomas) of Winnabow, NC; sister-in-laws Ruth and Margaret Bell of New Haven. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to cherish her memory. She was predeceased by brothers Van Jinwright, Presoleon and Alexander Bell; daughters Olenia Bell and Sherri Dailey; and grandson Dylon Smith, all of whom she loved dearly. God looked around his garden and found an empty space. Then he looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful. He only takes the best. The family will receive guests at Whitneyville Cultural Commons, 1253 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT 06517 immediately following services.

Dorothy Mae Dailey

February 18, 1936 - November 21, 2022