Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
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Dorothy Jean McIntosh, Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma, Tribal Council Member

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation flag flies at half-staff out of respect for the death of Dorothy Jean McIntosh, a Tribal Council member from Ocheleta. McIntosh represented parts of Tulsa and Washington counties as one of the Council representatives from Cherokee Nation district eight. McIntosh was serving her first term on the council, when she died suddenly of a heart attack on Oct. 6, 2001.

McIntosh was elected to the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council in 1999, and served as co-chair of the Language, History and Culture committee, and served on seven other standing council committees.

"I think she had a real heart for her people", fellow Council member Stephanie Wickliffe-Shepherd told the Muskogee Daily Phoenix. "I think it is going to be a big loss for her district and her people."

"Dorothy was extremely diligent in her duties and earnestly sought feedback from her constituents through her regular community meetings", said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Dorothy always maintained the highest level of statesmanship, even though we didn’t always agree. She will be missed."

"One of her initiatives was to have a garden of dirt from each of our districts," Chief Smith said. The Cherokee Nation will create that garden in McIntosh's memory.

McIntosh graduated with honors from Ochelata High School and Bacone College. She retired from Cities Service Oil Company. McIntosh was a member of the Bartlesville Indian Women’s Club and a volunteer in adult literacy programs.

Memorial Services for Dorothy McIntosh will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 13th at the Ramona High School Gym. A fellowship meal will be provided by the women of the Ochelata Methodist Church following the service. Honey's Floral Shop of Bartlesville (918) 333-8181 is taking all orders. You may send cards to the attention of: Leslie Bailor, P.O. 103, Ochelata, OK 74051.

Dorothy Jean McIntosh is survived by two daughters, Leslie Bailor and Rebecca Barker; one son, John Mark Romin; and three grandchildren, Travis and Mark Bailor and Lauren Barker.