Mrs. Derutha L. Dossman

Derutha Ann Layton Dossman On August 21, 1931, in Montgomery, Louisiana, Deola Robinson and Blanchard Layton were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. She was given the name Derutha Ann by her mother. Derutha spent her early years in Montgomery, Louisiana. It was there that she accepted Christ at the age of 8, and was baptized by the late Reverend E. D. Thomas at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. She was always a devoted Christian and an active member in her church. She loved Sunday school and B.Y.P.U. After she completed elementary school, she and her mother moved to Winnfield, Louisiana. There they united with Mount Olive Baptist Church. She served as corresponding secretary for the church throughout her high school years. She was also very active in Sunday school, B.Y.P.U., the youth choir, and did whatever else she was called upon to do. Derutha graduated third in her class from high school at Winnfield Training School. With the assistance of her church and English teacher, she was able to attend Leland College, a Baptist Christian school in Baker, Louisiana, and graduated in 1957 with honors. After graduation, it was her desire to become a missionary, however, it was there that she met, fell in love with, and married Curley M. Dossman on June 24, 1951. She then moved to Ville Platte, La., and united with the St. John Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. Samuel W. Pullen, and where she remained until her demise under the leadership of Rev. Freddie Jack. Because of her love of her Savior, she consistently remained faithful. She served as corresponding secretary for 15 years and served on the finance committee for 8 years. She taught the Adult Sunday School Class and the Senior Mission for several years. She also worked with the youth department and the Southwest Missionary Association for 6 years. In addition, she worked with various other organizations. Derutha began her teaching career as an elementary teacher in Evangeline Parish in 1953, at the Tate Cove School. She served at various other schools in the parish and retired in 1986 as principal of Hester Heath Elementary in June of 1986. She received her Master’s Degree from Southern University in 1968, and her plus 30 from Southern University and USL in 1972. Derutha was preceded in death by her Mother, Deola Robinson, her husband, Curley M. Dossman, Sr., and her daughter, Darlene Dossman Jones. Mrs. Dossman is survived by a son, Curley M. Dossman, Jr. (Jennifer) of Lithonia, Georgia; a daughter, Judy D. Jenkins (John) of Carrollton, Texas; a grandson she and her husband raised as their son, Tommy C. Jones (Kayla) of Ville Platte, La.; Three grandsons, Jonathan Dossman (Quinette); John Jenkins, Jr. (Lydia) and Anthony Jones; Seven great grandchildren, Tyran, Tyler, Brandon, Madison, Ty, Fitzgerald and Ezra. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. We will celebrate her life at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 2, 2023 at St. John Baptist Church in Ville Platte, LA. Visiting hours will be observed from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. John Memorial Gardens. Share words of comfort with the Dossman family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Ville Platte, 337-363-8111.

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Mrs. Derutha L. Dossman

August 21, 1931 - November 18, 2023