Dorothy Mae (McCray) Steverson

Dorothy Mae McCray was born to James and Olivia McCray on November 5, 1936 in Davenport, Iowa. She grew up in Pleasant Valley where her family grew and harvested onions. 

Dorothy, affectionately known as "Dot" or "Dottie" attended the Davenport Public Schools and graduated from Davenport (Central) High School in 1955.  Just three years later (1958) Dot graduated from St. Ambrose College of Nursing where she became the first African American to graduate as a Registered Nurse.  After graduation, she worked at Mercy hospital in various departments.  With a continued thirst for knowledge in 1983, Dot earned her Master's degree in Nursing.

Eventually, Dottie's love for children led her to accept employment in the Davenport Community School system where she served as the school nurse at Lincoln Elementary, Sudlow Jr. High and Washington Elementary Schools where she retired in 1994.  After retirement, she dedicated her time helping others.  As someone filled with life and energy, Dot took a second opportunity to work for Davenport School District in 1996 and worked 3 more years as a Nurse’s assistant at North High school. 

Dorothy married James Steverson on February 7, 1958.  To this union, three children were born; Kevin James, Craig Spencer and Tracy Olivia. Dorothy was a devoted wife and mother.

Dottie accepted Christ at an early age and was active at Third Baptist Church during her youth.  Dorothy later (1966) became a charter member of Progressive Baptist Church where she worked faithfully in various ministries to include Sunday School, but Dot found the perfect fit for her natural gifts of being helpful, energetic, and orderly when she was selected as the church clerk for several years.

Dottie enjoyed sports as a fan, athlete and coach. She was especially fond of track & field and basketball. Some of Dot and James’ fondest memories occurred when they attended the Summer Olympics in Atlanta and Los Angeles. . She playfully bragged to her children that she was a great athlete, but due to the limitations of the 1950's she could only participate in the Girls Athletic Association (Intramurals) during her youth.  As an adult, she enjoyed playing on a softball team at Goose Hollow Park.  While employed as the school nurse at Lincoln School, Dot coached the Dad's Club softball team along with Ms. Artena Holmes-Webb.  They led their inter-city Lincoln School girls’ team to a 2nd place finish in the City of Davenport during their first year of coaching.  For the next several years, Dottie & Artena’s teams were always considered one of the best teams in the city.  Coaching was a great pleasure for Dot because it combined two of her favorite things in life, sports and helping young ladies to build their characters and be fearless.

Dot also enjoyed bowling, playing cards and spending leisure time at one of the three casinos in the Quad Cities. Dot was active in Quad City LINKs for more than 30 years. Dot started the annual blood drive at Progressive in 2010. 

 Most people who had the chance to get to know Dot, can see why she was interest in a particular BIBLE scripture she highlighted in her personal BIBLE, PSALMS  27:1-3, which provides great insight into who Dot was; A fearless confident woman, who saw GOD as her light and salvation, that touched others and made positive impact on her community.  

Dorothy was proceeded in death by her parents, her sisters Mamie Ruth and Jacquelin McCray, her brother James McCray Jr. and son Craig Spencer Steverson.

Those left to cherish her memories are her husband James of 60 years, son Kevin Steverson of Chicago, Il, daughter Tracy (Vincent) George of Davenport, IA. Grandchildren; Sherrell Wideman, Gabrielle George, Mya Jones, Makya Jones and Sydney George; Godsons Eric Walker and Nolan Ragston and a host of family and friends.

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