Willia Mae Dover

Willa Mae Dover was born Willa Mae Cummings on April 17, 1933, in Philadelphia, PA. She was the daughter of the late Florence McPherson Cummings-Allen and Crawford Cummings. She departed this life peacefully on February 9, 2025 at her home as was her wish. Willa was educated in the Philadelphia schools, later to work for the City of Philadelphia in the Department of Parks and Recreation where she made a meaningful impact on the youth. She had two children, Kenneth Allen Cummings and Donna Marie Cummings-Dawson. She married the late Ernest Dover. She joined New Bethlehem Baptist Church as a child and was a faithful member until she no longer could attend due to illness. Many remember how she ensured everyone had breakfast and coffee between Sunday school and church service and could smell her cooking all throughout the Sunday School rooms. She was on the Missionary Group, the annual State Rally, and Shut-In Day committees. She was a beacon of strength, joy, consistency, and rich family commitment. She overcame life’s challenges with the grace of God and a smile that would make everyone smile back. She dedicated her life to the Lord. As the eldest in the McPherson lineage in Philadelphia, her life was a living testament to resilience, love and the transformative power of God’s grace. Willa’s home in southwest Philadelphia was more than just a house. Willa loved hosting family gatherings and dinners. She welcomed family, neighbors, co-workers, friends and the church into the space she created so everyone felt wanted and loved. Willa was known as a great cook and baker, and for her wit and humor. She never missed a chance to share a kind word, prayer of comfort, or a playful comeback that brightened our lives. She loved music, playing her guitar, dancing, singing, and drawing. Willa Mae is preceded in death by her parents, Florence Allen and Crawford Cummings, stepfather James Allen, her husband Ernest Dover, her son Kenneth Cummings, great grandsons: Donald Trawick and Nasir Jackson, and great granddaughter Aisha Abdur Rahman. Her legacy is carried forward by her daughter Donna Marie Dawson, grandchildren: Bridget Cummings-Howard, Tracey Cummings, Dishea Dawson, Kenneth Johnson, Dinea Dawson, Dineana Dawson and Christina Bowen, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, cousins, and life-long friends.

Willia Mae Dover

April 17, 1933 - February 9, 2025