Mr. Sammie Dotson Sr.

Sammie “Billy” Lee Dotson Sr., 74, of Peoria departed this life on November 17, 2024, at 12: 51p.m surrounded by his loving family. Sammie was born on January 12, 1950, in Tunica, MS to Willie and Mae Bell (Flowers) Dotson. As a child he was involved in the Civil Rights movement alongside his mother. Fighting for justice in the community of Tunica, MS. He was baptized at St. Paul Baptist Church in Tunica, MS. In 1976 he moved to Peoria. Sammie met the love of his life in 1981, Catherine Lee, they were married for over 18 years. Sammie was employed by Butternut Bakery, where he was a founder of the Butternut Basketball team and retired after 28 years of dedication. Sammie enjoyed westerns, wrestling, football, basketball, landscaping, and mechanical work. Sammie leaves to cherish his precious memory: his loving wife: Catherine Dotson of Peoria; six sons: Tyrone (Sharon) Buford of Memphis, TN, Terrance T. Dotson Sr., Robert Irby, Terrence L. Dotson Sr. all of Peoria, Aurelious (Henrietta) Dotson and David Brown both of Tunica, MS; eight daughters: Latisha Irby of Los Angeles, CA, Charice (Martavious) Foster, Chemay Irby, Loletha (Willie) Dotson, Sammijo Dotson, Terina Irby, Leondra Green all of Peoria, Kimberly Spears of Tunica, MS; six brothers: Willie “Bo” Dotson II, Charles “Tar” Dotson Sr., Leonard “Disco” Dotson, Lee Andrew “Leakie” (Bonnie) Dotson Sr., Carey (Cynthia) Dotson Sr., and Moses “Earl” (Latoya) Dotson; five sisters: Emma Ruth Wright, Martha (Kenny) Briscoe, Doris (Robert) Dotson -Suggs all of Memphis, TN, Gladys Ware and, Jessie “Tenachie” Dotson both of Tunica, MS; God -Mother: Minister Dorothy Swafford of Memphis, TN; best friends: Willie (Josie) Sanders and Lefty Sanders of Peoria; special niece as his caregiver; Jessica Oliver; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will honor his memory. Sammie, in addition to his parents, was preceded in death by three sons: Sammie Dotson Jr, Darrin Lee Dotson, and Jason Walker; one brother: Roy Lee Dotson; two sisters: Celeste Dotson and Virginia Dotson. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Sovereign Grace M.B.C. (1505 W. Martin Street Peoria, IL 61605) at 10:00 a.m. Elder Charles Stone of Joliette, IL will officiant and Rev. Alvin Riley Sr. Pastor will present the Eulogy. Sammie will be laid to Rest at Lutheran Cemetery (914 S. Pleasant Street Peoria, IL 61604) Arrangements were made especially for the “Dotson” family and professionally directed by T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel. Live streaming can be viewed by clicking the link for TW Parks Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/twparkscolonialchapel. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of “Sammie Dotson Sr.” please visit our Sympathy Store

Mr. Sammie Dotson Sr.

January 12, 1950 - November 17, 2024