THE LIFE STORY

On June 25, 1940, Dorothea Burnett, affectionately known as "Doe," was born to the late Idella and Lemuel Jones, Sr. She was the youngest of eleven children—nine older brothers and one older sister—all of whom preceded her in death. She often joked that she could do whatever she wanted because she had nine brothers, and no one dared to bother her.

Doe was raised in North Philadelphia and received her education through the Philadelphia Public School District. She attended George G. Meade Elementary School, Robert Vaux Junior High School, and William Penn High School for Girls.

As a young woman, Doe spent her free time dreaming of a world far beyond what she could see and listening to music that reflected her mood. One of her favorite songs was Jerry Butler's "Thanks to You," a song that remained close to her heart throughout her life.

In 1956, she married the late Donald Burnett, Sr. During their 18-year marriage, they welcomed three children: Donald Burnett, Jr., who preceded her in death, Julie Burnett, and Julian Burnett. The unconditional love she shared with her son Donald remained with her throughout her life, and she carried him in her heart always.

In addition to raising her own children, Doe lovingly helped her mother and sister raise her three nephews—Raymond, Arthur, and Van. She also raised her beloved niece and bonus daughter, Autanya (Tina) Lucas, who later became her devoted caregiver. Doe played an instrumental role in raising her granddaughters, Donita Burnett and Arielle Howard. Her grand-nephews, Artie and Kevin, meant the world to her, and she made sure they were included in family trips to Great Adventure and outings to Pizza Hut.

Because Doe was the youngest of her siblings, many of her nieces and nephews were close to her in age, making her more like a big sister than an aunt. She shared an especially close bond with her niece, Gale Jones, whom she constantly encouraged and supported. She loved each of them unconditionally and always wanted the very best for them. One of her favorite sayings was, "Whatever you do in life, be the best at it."

Doe worked briefly in the Dietary Department at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia before discovering her true calling. In 1968, she dedicated herself to advocating for disadvantaged families and underserved communities. Her passion led her to become one of the founders and Vice Chairperson of the Philadelphia Welfare Rights Organization, whose powerful slogan declared:

"WELFARE IS A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE."

Working alongside Roxanne Jones, who later became the first African American woman elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate, Doe helped families obtain essential benefits such as SNAP and Medicaid. Her advocacy extended well beyond Philadelphia, taking her throughout Pennsylvania, including communities in Western Pennsylvania where African Americans often faced open discrimination.

She frequently shared stories of entering diners and stores where she and her colleagues were met with racial slurs and hostility. Yet those experiences never weakened her resolve. She believed poverty existed wherever people lacked access to basic human rights, regardless of geography, and she remained committed to fighting for justice and dignity for all.

In the early 1970s, Doe became an entrepreneur by opening Julie's House of Barbecue, a soul food restaurant on Ridge Avenue. Although the business eventually closed, her entrepreneurial spirit never faded. She later leased the building to members of the Fruit of Islam, who introduced Shabazz Steak 'n Take to North Philadelphia.

In 1980, Doe became Vice Chairperson of the North Philadelphia Neighborhood Advisory Committee at National Temple Baptist Church. Through her leadership, many families achieved first-time homeownership. Her work also helped establish neighborhood Play Streets, free lunch programs, and summer camps that provided employment opportunities for young people while giving children a safe and nurturing place to spend their summers.

In 1989, Doe joined the Tenants Action Group (TAG) of Philadelphia as a Housing Counselor. There, she negotiated between landlords and tenants to prevent evictions and homelessness. She worked tirelessly to secure rental assistance, furniture, and permanent housing for families transitioning from shelters. She also stood fearlessly beside tenants whose rights had been violated by unscrupulous landlords.

Never allowing obstacles to define her, Doe achieved one of her proudest accomplishments in 1996 when she earned her GED through the Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), proving that it is never too late to pursue education while continuing to serve others. Because she believed that EDUCATION was the "key" to success she often bragged that her Granddaughter Donna earned a Master's in Criminal Justice and that her Great-Grandson Jalen, had graduated from Newman University.

Although she officially retired in 2008, Doe never truly stopped advocating for those in need. She remained a trusted resource, mentor, and voice for the community until declining health no longer allowed her to continue.

Although baptized in the Catholic faith and a faithful servant at Gesu Parish for many years, Doe embraced the Pentecostal faith in 2000 after hearing the teachings of the late Overseer Rosie Wallace. She became a devoted member of First Church of Love, Faith and Deliverance, MRI, where she faithfully served on the Outreach Ministry until her transition.

Today, Doe's torch has been passed, but her legacy of faith, service, compassion, and advocacy will continue for generations.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Julie Burnett and Autanya (Tina) Lucas; her son, Julian Burnett; one grandson, Donald Mickeals (Erica); four granddaughters, Donita Burnett, Donna Harris, Arielle Howard, and Tiponi Burnett; nine great-grandsons, Isaiah ("Baby Nick"), Bryant, Rasheed, Donald ("Baby D"), Quadree, Jalen, Kharee, Royal, and Roman; five great-granddaughters, Gabriel, Araya, Charisma, Imani, and Logan; eight great-great-grandsons, Amir, Nadeem, Yasir, Aziz, Anthony, Adonis, Quadree, Jr., and Karson; four great-great-granddaughters, Azzuri, Kay Kay, Aya, and Mahari; and one great-great-great-grandson, Khidir.

She was preceded in death by her son, Donald Burnett, Jr.; her grandson, Maurice ("Pooh") Harris; and the many beloved family members who welcomed her into eternal rest.

Doe also leaves behind a host of beloved bonus grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, former coworkers, and countless members of the community whose lives were forever changed by her compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Dorothea "Doe" Burnett was truly a warrior—a woman of faith, courage, and conviction. Her life's work transformed communities, uplifted families, and inspired generations. Though she has departed this earthly life, her name, her legacy, and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.