Remembering Dorothy Simms Fauntroy

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Hundreds gathered at New Bethel Baptist Church in Northwest, D.C., on June 29 to celebrate the life of Dorothy Simms Fauntroy, a church leader and community servant, who was often celebrated as “the wind beneath the wings” of the District’s former Delegate to Congress. Serving as the New Bethel’s longtime first lady, Fauntroy was remembered as an “angel,” and woman of great strength.

In life, Fauntroy was the wife and lifelong companion of the Rev. Dr. Walter Fauntroy, an iconic Civil Rights leader and aide to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Reverend Fauntroy went from pastoring a District congregation and leading protests to serving as the District’s first Delegate to Congress and beside him was his wife Dorothy, who died June 18 at the age of 88.

In an interview with the Informer, Marvin Fauntroy, 59, talked about his mother and growing up as a child in the Civil Rights Movement.

“She was a quiet power and she was the bedrock for my father that allowed him to do what he needed to do,” Marvin Fauntroy said in an interview. “I don't know many people who could have done that.”

In terms of how his dad is doing, the son said, “He is doing ok.”

“I can't imagine knowing somebody for 71 years. They got married in 1957 but they met in 1951,” he explained.

Marvin Fauntroy said that he has received calls from the family members and children of other Civil Rights leaders, such as the Jacksons and Kings.

“The Jacksons, the Kings, they are going something right now (with the death of Christine King Ferris) I am going to send them something,” he explained.

With appreciation for all who have reached out, he singled out a letter from the children of King’s top assistant Ralph Abernathy.

“I called him Uncle Ralph,” he said.

“When Dr. Abernathy came to D.C., they didn't stay in a hotel they stayed at the house,” Marvin Fauntroy explained. “Dr. King came to the house, but he didn't like staying in a house because he thought it put people in peril. He would come. There is a picture of him standing on the steps and holding me. I was 2 years old.”

“When Abernathy came he would bring the whole family” added Marvin Fauntroy.

The now 59-year-old said he learned many things from his parents and elders of the movement like remaining in his seat during church service.

“You go to the bathroom before church; there wasn't any getting up from the pew unless it was time to put something in the plate,” Marvin Fauntroy emphasized. “There was none of this running in and out. Sit your butt right here. That’s how I was raised. I cringe when I see it now.”

CELEBRATING AN ‘ANGEL’

On June 29, New Bethel Pastor, the Rev. Dexter Nutall, led former Delegate Fauntroy and a somber procession of family and friends out of the sanctuary after a funeral that celebrated the life of Deaconess Dorothy Fauntroy. From the beginning to the end of the service, it was evident the deaconess and former first lady was loved by all of the members of the close knit congregation in upper Northwest.

Nutall called her ‘our angel,’” said Ibrahim Mumin, who along with his wife Carol, were close friends to the Fauntroy family.

Mumin said Nutall shared engaging and touching anecdotes about Dorothy Fauntroy’s contributions to her church community.

“He reminded us how every year at this time, Mrs. Fauntroy would give little white envelopes filled with small amounts of money to the graduates to keep them encouraged,” Mumin said of Nutall’s eulogy. “We knew it wasn’t much, but it was just a great thing she always did.”

In addition to working at New Bethel and in the Shaw community, Dorothy Fauntroy worked hard and supported her husband since the time she spotted him her freshman year on the campus of Virginia Union. At the time she noticed him, he was in the process of joining Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

“Who was that little guy with a bald head,” Dorothy Fauntroy told the Informer in a March 2017 interview. She said despite the shaved head, and his desire to be in a fraternity, she learned something else about the then mystery man: “He he sang in the choir and had a beautiful voice.”

What began as a campus romance, blossomed into a relationship that spanned more than seven decades. She was his partner in the Civil Rights Movement. She was there when King and other ministers planned parts of the March on Washington, and she was there serving the residents of the District of Columbia when her husband was in Congress from 1971 to 1991.

Dorothy Fauntroy was also a devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and recipient of multiple community service awards. Her unwavering commitment reflected in her profound impact on both the church and community.

“Dorothy demonstrated exceptional leadership skills during her tenure at the ministry, successfully leading various programs over several years. Her devotion to the church and community did not go unnoticed, as she was recognized with the prestigious title of ‘New Bethel Baptist Church Woman of the Year in 1982,’” according to information in her funeral program.

The deaconess and wife also had a unique collection of dolls and orna- ments that was a favorite attraction for friends and guests. She had porcelain angel figurines and music boxes. She also had a passion for planting and nurturing flowers.

However, paramount in her life was her love for her children and grandchildren.

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI