Mother Dorothy M. Parham Kemp

Our loved one passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at the age of 92 years. Have you ever seen a woman so mellow and mild yet influential and strong? If you knew Dorothy “Doll Baby” Kemp, then you have been graced by the presence of a woman with these magnificent qualities. Mrs. Dorothy Parham Kemp blossomed into the world on the spring day of May 3, 1926. She was born in Round Lake, Mississippi to Mr. John and Mrs. Lillie (Washington) Parham. The sixth of ten children, whose parents were farmers, learned early on the importance of family and working together. At the budding age of 15, she met a fine gentleman who lived in the same community. He captured her heart so tenderly, that she patiently waited for him as he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon his return, Dorothy joined Nathaniel Kemp, Jr. in marriage on March 17, 1946 in Alligator, Mississippi. Along with raising her seven children and being baptized at an early age, Dorothy still found time to be an active member of her church for over 60 years. With a trustworthy spirit, she served as Treasurer for the Mission Board and was on the Deaconess Board at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. Dorothy’s comforting spirit enabled her to thrive as a member of the Nurse’s Guild. She also played an essential role in the Mission’s Outreach Ministry as she mailed cards to the sick and shut-in. A faithful member of the Neighborhood Club for more than 30 years, Dorothy generously gave her time to others while setting a positive example of her own. Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Vyethel (Michael) Peterson of Los Angeles, CA, Ludmond (Jody) Kemp of Saginaw, Nathaniel (Cheryl) Kemp-Bey of Southfield, MI, Barbara Kemp-Lauria, Linda Robinson and Edward (EJ) Kemp, all of Saginaw; grandchildren, Carla Kemp-Clayton, Princetta Kemp, Calvess Burnett, Yashica (John) Tyson, Tamika, Emmanuel and Versina Kemp, Thomas Fuller, Michael (Kelsey) Peterson II, Nefertiti (Dorian) Flowers, Imaniah, Ebonisha and E’Jayla Kemp; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild ; one god-son, Larry Foster; siblings, Annie Mae Davis of Saginaw and John (JT) Parham of Burt, MI; a brother-in-law, Joseph McKnight of Saginaw; sisters-in-law, Verna M. Kemp of Clarksdale, MS, Eva Buckley and Sylvia “Doddie” Parham both of Saginaw; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, including special cousins, the Walker, Washington and Grant families. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Nathaniel Kemp, Jr.; daughter, Blanchia Kemp; grandson, D’Andre Kemp; siblings, William, Ernest, Polly, Ruby, Charlie and Percy Parham, Lillie McKnight; and a son-in-law, Robert Lauria. If you stopped by to visit, Doll Baby may have been watching the Detroit Pistons or the Detroit Tigers on T.V. She was a great listener and could offer spiritual words of encouragement. Dorothy Kemp leaves a loving legacy of wisdom, strength and kindness as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. The family would like to give a special thank you to the Wheels Unit at Healthsource, St. Mary’s TICU, Dr. Rama Mulpuri, Pastor Blake Strozier and Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Otis Washington and Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, Bishop Larry Camel and New Birth Missionary Baptist Cathedral, and the 4th Street families: the Clays, the Hills, the Laytons and the Hunts. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2019 at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 810 Cathay Street, Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor Blake D. Strozier will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 South Washington Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48601. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607 on Friday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. Family will be present from 3:00-7:00 p.m. to greet friends.

Mother Dorothy M. Parham Kemp

May 3, 1926 - April 10, 2019