Dottie (Dorothy) Richburg
Sunrise, August 15, 1951 — Sunset, August 19, 2024
Dottie (Dorothy) Charlene Richburg (Harriston), born on August 15, 1951, in Washington, D.C., passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Dottie graduated from Calvin Coolidge High School and earned a B.S. in math/computer science from Ohio University.
There, she met the love of her life, Joe Richburg. This encounter led to a 52-year marriage filled with love and mutual respect. Together, they welcomed two children, Khari and Kisha (Deneane), who were the light of Dottie’s life.
Dottie began her professional career as a programmer/analyst and project manager, eventually co-founding Keystone Computer Solutions (KCS) in 1987. As a Black, woman-owned business, KCS thrived under Dottie’s leadership, growing to employ 150 consultants and serving several small to mid-sized businesses and Fortune 500 companies like 3M and General Mills.
Dottie was a trailblazer in an industry where barriers were significant for Black IT professionals and Black-owned businesses. She was a strategic thinker and a visionary who understood trends, obstacles, and actions needed to lead a successful company.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dottie was deeply committed to her community. She worked in several organizations, including Olympic Kingdom, Brownbody, the Midwest Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), and the Minnesota African American Chamber of Commerce (MAACC), in which she played a significant role in shepherding it into what is now known as the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC).
She and Joe were founding members of the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) Twin Cities Chapter in 1989. She developed the Programmatic Thinking Program, which provides IT training for youth, and expanded it through partnerships with Friendship Academy of the Arts and Bloomington Public Schools.
Dottie spent numerous hours over multiple years (sometimes decades) applying her business acumen and doing the “heavy lifting” needed to breathe life into the infrastructure, offerings, and programming of these organizations. She did this because she was committed to the community and believed in making a positive impact.
Dottie’s love for children was evident in her work with Sunday School programs at Mount Olivet, St. Phillips, and Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church. Her energy was expansive, far-reaching, and authentic.
Dottie was known for her strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, and self-motivation. She was also recognized for her kind, humble, and gracious personality. Dottie was a creative force, hosting lavish gatherings where her culinary skills shone.
She was especially known for her baked macaroni and cheese, fried shrimp, crab cakes, and Coca-Cola cake! With her late brother John David Cottom (also an amazing cook), she was frequently asked to cater events and gatherings by family and friends, as well as fellow members of the Black business community.
Dottie also had a deep passion for the arts, theater, and music. She was tirelessly devoted to her daughter’s artistic pursuits and served as Brownbody’s business manager for over a decade.
She was also an avid traveler and bargain hunter, known for finding the best deals at garage sales and thrift stores. Dottie frequently offered refuge, opening her home to family and friends as needed.
Dottie was somebody folks could confide in; she offered so much grace, support, and unconditional love to anyone who needed it. If you were sad, stressed, or upset, you could talk to her, lay your worries at her feet, and she would love, care, hold, and walk with you as you navigate your way through your stress and worries. Dottie would stop her world to lend her hand to intervene for her loved ones. Her love for family and friends was true, deep, unconditional, and sincere.
Dottie is survived by her husband, Joe Richburg, of 52 years; two children, Khari and Kisha; four brothers, Duke Harriston (Angela), Clifton Cottom (Michelle), Donnell Reese, and Deon Murray (Rachel); sister-in-law Alvena Richburg, and brother-in-law Irving Richburg (Cindy); along with a multitude of nephews, nieces, Godchildren, great-nephews, great nieces, cousins, and cherished friends and family members who will forever hold her memory dear.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Natalie Harriston, and brothers and sisters Howard, Jeffrey, Edith, Jacqueline, Mary, Michael, John David, and Catherine. She was also preceded in death by Uncle William I. and Aunt Ruth Harley, who adopted her and played a central role in raising her.
When she relocated to Minnesota in the ’70s, Mom Loretta Farrar lovingly nurtured her. Dottie will be remembered as a beacon of joy, kindness, and love, leaving a legacy that will forever be treasured by all who knew her.
A memorial service for Dottie (Dorothy) Richburg will take place on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church, 585 Fuller Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103. Fellowship with the family will take place at 2 p.m. The service is at 3 p.m., and a repass will immediately follow the service. The service will be livestreamed at camphorconnects.org.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Dottie’s favorite non-profits: Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) (www.givemn.org/organization/BDPA-Twin-Cities-Foundation), Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church (https://camphorconnects.org/give) and Brownbody (https://bit.ly/DottieRememberance).
