WATERBURY- In gratitude for a long life well lived, we announce the passing of Dorothea Pearson Mullen (Dottie), who departed peacefully on June 09, 2026, at the age of 99. She has resided in the Village of East Farms in Waterbury since 2024 and was a longtime resident of Oakville, CT.

Dorothea was born on June 27, 1926, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as the daughter of the late Frank and Mattie Pearson. She was a high school graduate and attended Virginia Union University, University of Bridgeport, and Mattatuck Community College. She was employed for many years in the Waterbury School System as an Assistant Teacher in various early childhood education programs.

Dorothea experienced almost a century of life, change, and history. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. In her later years, she enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, watching Family Feud, attending various church activities, and listening to the gospel music of trailblazers such as Mahalia Jackson and James Cleveland. She was especially fond of the songs of Shirley Caesar, whom she knew as a teenager. Dorothea took great pride in the accomplishments and happiness of her family. Her legacy is one of perseverance that will continue to guide those that she leaves behind.

Dorothea was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Clifton Mullen Sr; parents, Frank and Mattie Pearson; brother, Robert Pearson; sister, Ethel Mae Montgomery; granddaughter, Camille Mullen; and son-in-law, Charles Daniels.

Left to honor her legacy and cherish her memories are her children, Eddie C. Mullen Jr., Natalie Mullen Daniels, Shari Mullen Bumpers (Harvey), her grandchildren, Courtney Grande (Ryan), Haley Atkinson (Scott), Tiffany Stevenson (Adrian), Caleb Bumpers, and 7 great grandchildren; Ford, Hollis, Colin, Juliana, Anon, Addison, and Aiden. Dorothea leaves behind her brother, Haywood Kelly Pearson, as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Casey's Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT, 06705. Burial to follow in New Pine Grove Cemetery, Waterbury. Relatives and friends may visit with the Mullen family on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the service commences at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mount Olive AME Zion Church, designating support to the Building Fund, to honor Dorothea's memory and to support their passion for advancing the Kingdom of God. Donations can be mailed to Mount Olive African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, 82 Pearl Street, Waterbury, CT. 06704. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Dorothea to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts of condolence.