Willa Mae Dorsey
DOB Unknown – January 5, 2009
Willa Mae Dorsey was a Grammy-nominated Gospel singer whose career spanned nearly 60 years. She began singing while still in her teens, often songs written by her cousin Thomas A. Dorsey, the “Father of Gospel Music.” Over the years, she sang for princes and presidents and reportedly was one of the first black singers to sing in white churches. In 1969, she released her first album, The World’s Most Exciting Gospel Singer, for which she was nominated for a Grammy. The following year, she released what would become her best-selling album, Stand Tall. Willa Mae Dorsey, age 75, died on January 5, 2009 after a series of strokes.
I was so sad to hear about Sister Willa Dorsey’s passing. I had the blessed opportunity to meet her over 30 years ago. My husband was stationed at a small Army base in Dexheim, Germany (about 30 miles from Frankfort). I lived there with my husband and 3 sons from 1976-1978. I played piano for our gospel choir while I was there. In the latter part of 1976, our choir was invited to a choir convention, Sister Willa was the guest singer. What are the odds that out of all the choirs that attended that day, Sister Willa asked the young lady from Dexheim to come up and play the piano while she sang? It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. We spoke after the service, and I revealed to her that my name was also Willa and I had never met another person with the same name. Some might say it was just a mere coincidence. But I truly believe it was much more because she really touched me in an indescribable way. She was such a beautiful and gracious person. I regret not looking her up over the years. I thought about her a few days ago and decided to go online to search for her. When I read the news of her passing earlier this year, I sat and cried for quite a while. I was one of so many who’s lives she touched. I love Sister Willa, may God bless your family and thank you for the chance to meet a true angel of God.