Dorothy Vickers-Shelley

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," she said. 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 had two daughters: Dana Vickers-Shelley, Baltimore, MD and Pamela-Alyse Vickers Shelley, Urbana, IL. Dorothy was a member of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church and a Charter member of the Champaign County Section of the National Council of Negro Women.