A Time to Be Born: Dorothy Ruth Whaley Sapp Grimes was born October 25, 1929, in Sumner, Georgia.  She was the youngest of two children born to the late Edward Whaley and Anna McGill Whaley.

A Time to Learn: She received her formal education in the Dougherty County School System, graduating from Madison High School.  Hailing from a family that valued higher education, she continued her quest for knowledge at Albany State     College (University) with a major in Education.  Dorothy believed strongly in life-long learning and continually pursued excellence in all her endeavors.

A Time to Serve and Commit: From a very young age, Dorothy was nurtured in the word of God.  She accepted Christ early in life and was baptized at River Road Church of Christ in Albany, Georgia.  In later years, she became a part of the body of Christ at Beattie Road Church of Christ where she remained a devout member until her transition.  Over the years, she availed herself to unparalleled commitment and service as she shared the word with all who would listen.

A Time to Work and Build: Dorothy was a very persistent individual who ate not the bread of idleness.  For numerous years, she was employed in the Office of Admissions and Records at Albany State College. She had a servant's heart and felt most comfortable when helping others.  Her passion for education never ceased—she was a molder and shaper of young minds and talents throughout her 27-year tenure with the Dougherty County School System.  Upon retirement, she was lauded for her years of dedicated and distinguished service.

A Time to Love and Rejoice: Dorothy met Ernest W. Sapp, Jr. and they united as one.  Their union was blessed with six loving children with whom they enjoyed many happy years.  After the death of her husband, she later married Otis Grimes and  another beautiful daughter was added to the family.  Dorothy had a hand in rearing seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other  bonus children and grandchildren.  There was always room in her home for someone to sleep or to feast at her table.  She found great joy and solace  working in her yard—whether tending to her many plants and flowers, pulling weeds, or just admiring the beauty of God's great handiwork.  She had a "green thumb" like none other and was twice awarded "Yard of the Month" by the Albany Garden Club.  Dorothy was extremely proud of her God-given talent and readily shared her highly acclaimed  gardening skills with others.

A Time to Rest :  On October 22, 2020, the Lord said, "Come home my child and be at rest.  You have fought a good fight and kept the faith, now enter into the Master's joy."  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by three sons,  Malcolm (Bubba) Sapp, Anthony (Tony) Sapp, and Vamie E. Sapp.

A Time to Mourn and Cherish: She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish many unforgettable memories, loving devoted children, Marcus L. (Arwena) Sapp, Cherlyn Sapp (Johnny) Jackson, Ernest W. (Emma) Sapp, III, and Tamera Grimes (Jeffery) Adams, all of Albany, GA; grandchildren, Kevin D. Sapp,     Latesha Sapp Vicks, Jameka Sapp Vicks, Perry Sapp, Ashleigh Grubbs, Malcolm Sapp, and Kai Adams; great grandchildren, Sirvart é Vicks, J'Veyin Vicks, Kelsey Vicks, Chelsey Vicks, Camare Lane, Brihson Vicks, Canyii Grubbs, and Car'eal Grubbs; adopted son and daughters, Pastor Samuel Jordan, Sabrina Hodges, and Michiko Johnson; adopted grandchildren, Alicia Preston, Montrell Seay, and   Susan Jefferson; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends.