Service Details
Her Homegoing Celebration will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 11:00AM with Pastor Rev. Fred L. Richmond, Sr. officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 10:00AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.
With love and gratitude, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dorothy Louise Bridges-Goines, a devoted educator, cherished family member, and unwavering pillar of strength. Born in Monroe, Louisiana, to Samuel and Ruth Elmore Bridges, Dorothy was the oldest of nine children in a family rich in love and resilience.
A lifelong scholar and advocate for education, Dorothy attended Booker T. Washington Elementary School and Carroll High School before earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching from Grambling State University. She later pursued further studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, achieving a Master’s Degree and 30-plus hours beyond in her quest for excellence. She was a devoted member of Martin Temple Church while growing up before transitioning her membership to New Omega Baptist Church in Racine, Wisconsin. Faith guided her through life’s challenges, and she remained steadfast in her love for her family, students, and community. Dorothy dedicated 47 years to the field of education, serving students in the Racine Unified School District, where she retired as a Title I Parent Coordinator. She believed in the transformative power of education and pushed those around her to strive for their fullest potential—excuses were never an option if success was the goal. Within that she married William E. Goines Sr. to which two children were born.
She leaves behind a legacy carried forward by her devoted son, William Goines II, her sisters, Samuel Etta Walker (James) and Barbara Hodges (Ed), her brother, Michael Bridges (Brenda), and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory. Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Samuel & Ruth Elmore Bridges, her grandparents, Tillman & Eula Alexander and Frank Bridges & Margaret Senion, her daughter, Stefnee Goines, her brothers, Larry, Ronald, Robert, and Samuel Bridges, and her sister, Margie Bridges.
Dorothy fought hard through every challenge life presented, demonstrating strength and determination until the very end. She had a big heart, an unwavering commitment to her loved ones, and a passion for lifting others up. Her wisdom, generosity, and no-nonsense approach to life will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
Gilda Tanguma-Alarcon says
I am so sadden by this news I loved Dorothy like a sister. I will miss our phone conversations and especially all the laughs we shared. I will keep all of the family in my prayers. To william I am do sorry for the loss of your mom.
Ramona Drane says
My condolences to the Family.She was a great teacher at Winslow school.Rest on Mrs Goimes
Jamie Marshall says
To the family Sorry for the loss she was a loved woman and teacher at Winslow helped me along my years even in my adult life I would run into her and we would catch up .
Demetrius powell says
So sorry about the loss of your member may she RIP
Sue Gorman says
Dorothy was a beautiful soul whose kindness, faith, and gentle spirit touched everyone she met. As an educator, she inspired so many with her wisdom, patience, and genuine love for others. As a friend, she offered warmth, encouragement, and unwavering support. Her faith was the quiet strength behind everything she did, and it shone through in the way she lived and cared for those around her.
Dorothy truly made the world a better, brighter place. She will be missed more than words can say.
Betty Clark and Mother Nellie Williams says
Condolences to family
Ann(Toivonen)Henkes says
I was always inspired by Dorothy as a young teacher. She taught me so much when I worked with her at Winslow School. She was filled with beauty and grace under the pressures of the job and life. I will remember her always.
Desiree' Bridges says
In loving memory of Aunt Dot,
Your warmth and kindness left an imprint on every heart you touched. Though you are no longer with us in body, your spirit lives on in our memories and in the way we care for one another.
With love and gratitude,
Desiree’
Ella. Richardson says
So sorry for your loss you all ate in my prayers
Deborah Coca says
My deepest condolences and sympathies go out to all the family and friends of Dorothy. As a former teacher and principal in the RUSD, Dorothy was a great educator and parents appreciated her so much with all the tools she gave them to help
their children succeed. RIP Dorothy
Deborah Coca
Sandi Smith says
A wonderful woman!
Irene Kuiper says
A beautiful, kind lady. She always had a kind word. I worked with her at Red Apple Elementary. My sincere sympathies to her family.
C. Bongo Praninsky says
Dorothy’s presence at Red Apple School lifted everyone’s spirits. Her gentle kindness and positive attitude brought out the best in her students and colleagues. My most sincere sympathies are extended to Dorothy’s family and her innumerable friends.
Jerry Carel & Cheryl Carel says
I will always remember Dorothy as a ‘member of our helping teachers round table’ when we all worked at Racine Unified Central Office. She served the District well in assisting teachers in the implementation of the social studies curriculum. She was well respected and deserving so by staff. Back in the day it was supportive staff people like Dorothy that made Unified one of the best in the State. I will always remember her for her smile and sense of humor .
Linda Peet says
Thank you to a beautiful, intelligent, and loving lady who insisted I join the title parent program with her and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, every conversation and laugh we had. She showed grace and dignity through her heartbreak and she made an impact on many lives.
Julie Arens says
I am so deeply saddened by the passing of Dorothy. I was fortunate to know her as a loving parent (having taught both her children), an admired colleague and a dear, dear friend. It is her moments of pure laughter I will cherish most. She was one of the good ones!! Our loss is heaven’s gain!
🌹Charles and Glorious Hicks and Family🌹 says
Our sincere condolences to one of the most beautiful and genuine women we know. May her memories be a memory you can cherish and remember the good things always. From Our Family To Yours!💐The Goldsmith, Hicks and Tucker Family
Kathy Heyse says
Dorothy was one of the few people I have known who truly lived her life according to her values. It was a joy to see her work with children. It was a learning experience to see her help parents work with their children. It was amazing to sit and chat with her because that was also a learning experience. She was truly one of the great ones and will be missed by many. It is hard knowing she is not a phone call away. Celebrating a life well lived.
Ann Kirkwood and Family says
Sending heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Dorthy Bridges-Goines 🙏🏾I know death is inevitable 🙏🏾But sometimes it catches you by surprise 🙏🏾 May the peace of God rest and rule over all of our hearts 🙏🏾❤️☀️🙏🏾
Joyce Goines Bland says
My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Dorothy my beloved sister-in-law was a beautiful soul. She fought a long battle and she is with God now. I will forever miss her!
Nancy Huennekens says
I had the privilege of working with Dorothy in Title I Program. She was a dedicated professional who always put our students first.
With sympathy and condolences to family and friends.
Tamira Story says
Mrs. Goines always showed me so much support through my nursing school journey! She investing in me and loved me since I was a young girl. I will never forget her dedication to me and other scholars! She will be missed!
Pat McMillian & Family says
Deepest condolences to the Bridges-Goines Family!