January 1, 1948 - August 22, 2026
OBITUARY
Dorothy Ann (Farley) Ware was born January 1, 1948, in Marion, Arkansas, to Roosevelt and Clemmie Farley. She was the fourth of thirteen children and the eldest daughter. At the age of eight, Dorothy moved with her parents and seven siblings to Stockton, California, where she attended Commodore Elementary School and later graduated from Franklin High School in 1966.
In 1978, Dorothy married the love of her life, James Ware, in Reno, Nevada. They shared 48 years of marriage and built a beautiful life together. From their union came two daughters, Jennifer and Stephanie, and Dorothy also lovingly embraced James's two sons, Michael and Andre. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.
Dorothy retired from Tracy Defense Depot after 25 years of federal service. She later joined the Child Nutrition Services team at Lincoln High School, where she dedicated another 20 years before retiring for a second time.
Dorothy loved her family deeply and treasured the time they spent together. She enjoyed traveling, thrift shopping, Motown music, pearl jewelry, and her favorite Oscar de la Renta perfume. She had a sweet tooth and never met a cookie, cake, or pie she didn't like. She also appreciated the simple pleasure of a good nap. Most of all, Dorothy cherished her family, especially her granddaughter, Anaiya, with whom she shared a special and loving bond.
Dorothy Ann Ware passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, surrounded by her beloved husband and two daughters.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Roosevelt Farley Sr. and Clemmie Farley; her brothers, Sam Henry Farley, Leonard Farley, Larry Farley, and Charles Farley; her stepson, Andre Ware; and her mother-in-law, Lucille McGhee.
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 48 years, James Ware; her stepson, Michael Ware; her daughters, Jennifer and Stephanie Ware; her granddaughter, Anaiya Patrick; her siblings, Roosevelt Farley II (Donna), Clemmie Farley, Jerry Farley (Joyce), Mildred Farley, Thelma Farley, John Farley, William Farley (Karen), and Brenda Muhammad; her aunt, Nora Johnson; and a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
Dorothy will be remembered for her warm heart, love of family, beautiful spirit, and the many memories she created with those who were blessed to know and love her. She will be deeply missed.
LIVESTREAM LINK
To view Dorothy’s service livestream CLICK HERE
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on Friday, September 4, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
A service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, September 4th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Ware family.
