Dorothy Vickers-Shelley worked as an elementary school librarian
for thirty-three years. She worked daily helping, in various ways,
to expand young minds. She reminded students that the most precious
and powerful gift that we will ever own is the MIND. Since 1976,
all library classes opened with the "Ignorance and Fear statement:
"Life is short. Therefore, I shall be a crusader in the fight
against ignorance and fear, beginning with myself." I enjoyed
very much working with "young minds". We helped each
other to learn. The statement was not a reminder just for students,
but for all of us.
Dorothy Vickers-Shelley came to Urbana, Illinois from Detroit,
Michigan. She majored in Elementary Education at Wayne State University
in Detroit and later came to the University of Illinois where
she received her degree in Library Science. She retired from her
position as Librarian in the Margaret Dees Library at Yankee Ridge
Elementary School in 2003.
During her many years there, she endeared herself to many of
her students, some of whom became parents of her later students.
As a dedicated teacher in the Library, she always commanded respect
and because she cared, she gave that same respect to her students
and always had time to listen to them. This has been very evident
from all the letters of praise and fond memories she has received
from so many of her former students.
Dorothy Vickers-Shelley has two daughters: Dana Vickers-Shelley,
Baltimore, MD and Pamela-Alyse Vickers Shelley, Urbana, IL. Dorothy
is a member of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church and a Charter
member of the Champaign County Section of the National Council
of Negro Women.
Dorothy
Vickers-Shelley