**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Date: October 3, 2024

Dorothy M. Paynes, RN, BSN, MPH: A Legacy of Trailblazing Leadership and Unwavering Service 

San Jose, Ca. – Ms. Dorothy M. Paynes RN, BSN, MPH, a pioneering nurse, mentor, and community leader, passed away peacefully on September 30th at the age of 92. She leaves behind an impactful history making legacy!

Dorothy’s life was defined by breaking racial and professional barriers in a time when opportunities for Black nurses were scarce. Her achievements were not just personal milestones but significant contributions to healthcare and education. She represented a quiet but profound revolution, driving systemic change in a field where representation and diversity were critically needed.

A proud veteran, Dorothy began her journey as an enlisted member in the U.S. Navy, setting the stage for a lifetime of service. After her honorable military service, she became one of the first three Black individuals to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). This was an extraordinary accomplishment during an era when Black representation in higher education and nursing leadership was rare. Ms. Dorothy's achievement was a symbol of progress at a time when racial equality was far from reality.

With a passion for public health, Dorothy went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH) from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), becoming one of the few Black nurses accepted into that early groundbreaking  program. She dedicated her expertise to the Los Angeles County Department of Health, where she implemented programs aimed at improving the health of underserved populations. Ms. Dorothy’s path was one of opening doors for those who would follow.

Her dedication to education was equally profound. She served as a respected faculty member at the University of the West Indies, where she nurtured future healthcare professionals. Her students remembered her for her unique ability to blend clinical expertise with compassionate teaching—memories that brought her joy even decades later.

Ms. Dorothy’s journey in nursing leadership took her to prestigious roles across the USA, where she repeatedly made history. She was the first Black Associate Chief of Nursing Education (ACNSE) trainee at the VA Medical Center in Palo Alto, California, and later, the first Black ACNSE at VA Medical Centers in Alexandria, Louisiana, and  in Augusta, Georgia. At a time when diversity and inclusion in healthcare leadership were still evolving, Dorothy’s appointments were beacons of hope and change for future generations of nurses of color.

Her legacy is not just one of personal achievements but of transformative impact on the institutions she served. Dorothy opened doors that had long been closed to Black nurses, showing how perseverance, education, and an unwavering commitment to service could change not just individual lives, but entire systems. Those who knew her, and those who learn of her story now, stand in awe of a woman who quietly made history without seeking recognition—whose influence will continue to shape future generations.

While many would label their later years as those of a “senior citizen,” Ms. Dorothy referred to those years simply as “old age,” embracing the stage with grace and wisdom. She transformed her  post-retirement years into a time of quiet leadership, serving as a mentor and compassionate listener to younger generations seeking guidance becoming their trusted friend, mentor, and coach.

As her peers diminished with the passing years, she continued to offer guidance, counsel, and care to younger people navigating their own life challenges. Her wisdom came not just from knowledge but from a deep, compassionate understanding of humanity. Her ability to listen, advise gently, and uplift others left an indelible mark on all who sought her counsel.

Ms. Dorothy M. Paynes RN, BSN, MSN will be remembered as a history maker, a leader, and a compassionate guide. Her life is a testament to the power of courage and determination. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who follow her path, encouraging them to be trailblazers in their own right.

In 2014, Dorothy was honored with the distinguished “Villager Award” by AframGlobal Organization Inc., recognizing her lifelong service and her unwavering dedication to opening doors of opportunity for others. This award reflected the essence of her legacy—always moving forward while lifting others along the way. 

May the legacy of  Ms. Dorothy M. Paynes, RN, BSN, MPH - Retired Nurse, continue to inspire all whose lives she touched in the spirit of "Lifting As We Climb."

For press inquiries, please contact:  

Dr. Gloria Willingham-Toure’ PhD

The Afram Villager Awards Corporation (TAVAC)

A 501 (c)(3) Charitable Organization

1-562-895-9205

VillagerAwards@gmail.Com

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