Doretha T. Bodison was born in Terrell County, Georgia on January 17, 1935 to the late Mr. Arthur Toby and Mrs. Lizzie Grant Toby.  She attended the public schools of Albany, Georgia and graduated from Monroe High School.  She graduated from Albany State University, earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education.  While at Albany State, she was crowned Miss Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.  She furthered her education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, earning her Masters Degree.  She also attended Florida State University.

Doretha was employed with Duval County Public Schools for thirty five years as a Teacher and Principal.  She was a faithful member of Woodlawn Presbyterian Church, USA, where she sang in the choir.  Her membership lasted over fifty years.

Doretha was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  She was the founder of The Delta Trio. Doretha was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Toby and Lizzie Grant Toby; her husband, Rufus Bodison; her son, Reginald Haynes; her sisters, Beatrice Toby and Bernice T. James and her brother, Oscar Toby.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her devoted daughter, Elizabeth McKenzie (Leander); her loving grandsons, Chandler Sharp and Christopher Sharp; her sisters, Mrs. Alice West (Solomon), Mrs. Earlene Lockett, Mrs. Marie Wright (Isaac); brother-in-law, Mr. Arnold James; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.

She received her Angel's Wings on April 2, 2022, surrounded by her daughter, Liz and her son-in-law, Leander.  The generosity of Doretha was shared with many people with whom she came in contact.  She was a loving, sharing, caring person.