Dorothy Jean Nalls, meaning "God's Gift"/"God Is Gracious", was born on February 25, 1955, in Memphis, Tennessee to James A. Nalls, whom preceded her in death, and Lorraine Gates Nalls, one brother James A Nalls Jr. who preceded her in death. She was nurtured and raised by her grandfather, Tommie Nalls Sr. and step grandmother Elizabeth "Georgia" Thurman Nalls, who also precedes her in death.

Dorothy attended McNair High School and graduated from Humphreys County High School in 1972. She developed a love for knowledge, and continued her education at Jackson State University and graduated in 1976. Because of her curiosity for sisterly love, she pledged and became a member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority.

Soon after, Dorothy became an employee of Humphreys County School District, until her health would no longer allow her to be active in the community.

Dorothy was also a zoophilist, a person who loves animals. Her best friend doing her teenage years was her dog Tippy. After his death, she found comfort in the neighborhood cats.

She enjoyed watching her younger cousins and listening as they played the piano for her. She enjoyed listening to music and spending time with her Uncle Tom, Aunt Ruth, and their children.

Dorothy departed this life on April 18, 2021 at Vicksburg Regency Hospital- leaving her loving mother- Lorraine Nalls, Karen Nalls-Sutton (sister), Jerrold Nalls (brother), of Yazoo City, MS, her loving companion for over 30 years Mr. Jack Lee Irving, and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.