Who Is Dot Talley?

Dot Talley was born March 7, 1928. In 1943 Dot married Walter Kenneth Oliver and their daughter, Andrea Lee Oliver, was born.

On July 27, 1975 Dot turned her spirit and life over to the care of God and on this day began her journey of freedom from drug and alcohol addiction. She met a remarkable woman named Esther, who became her sponsor and a very close member of her family. In 1978 Dot began her employment with Alternatives Treatment Center as a drug and alcohol counselor where she helped countless individuals and their families recover from the depths of alcoholism and addiction.

In 1979 Dot's daughter, Andy, passed away leaving four children behind Eric, Lisa, Candice and Ashley. Dot with the support of her beloved mother Lucy Curry continued to raise her grandchildren until they were of age.

From 1980 to 1990 Dot continued in her recovery and began a period of discovery for herself. She became a member of the Clark Memorial Baptist Church, achieved her Associates Degree as a Certified Addictions Counselor and journeyed to the Cayman Islands to trace her family roots. Through this decade she was repeatedly recognized for unselfishly devoting her time and expertise to the recovery community as a mentor and most of all as a friend. She carried the mission of recovery internationally and was recognized as a pioneer for recovery services in the African American community.

In 1991 Delores Howze, affectionately known as "Dee", and Dot's "sister" and "best friend" passed away. Dot marked the legacy of Delores speaking in her honor at the opening of House of the Crossroads, Delores House Treatment Center, a drug treatment center that provided a cultural approach to healing African American Women and their children. In 1992 Dot was diagnosed with cancer. Challenged with this dreadful disease Dot kept her faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and passed peacefully on May 26, 1993.

In 1996 Ms. Della, Dee Howze's sister, received a resounding yes from Dot's mother and grandchildren when she asked permission for the Partners Continuum to name a new transitional housing program in honor of Dot. In her legacy, unsurpassed in its recognition and celebration the Dot Talley Center opened on July 17, 1997. The 22 unit transitional housing facility provided housing and supportive services to many African American Women in recovery and their children.

I miss you and I thank you for showing me how to live a productive life.

REST IN PEACE GRANDMA DOT