Priscilla Dunn of Bessemer, a career educator who served 24 years in the Alabama Legislature and inspired other Black women who followed her into politics, has died. Dunn was 80.
Dunn served in the Alabama House from 1998 until 2009, when she defeated seven Democratic opponents to win a vacant seat in the state Senate. Voters reelected Dunn to the Senate three times. She missed much of her final term because of an illness and did not run for reelection in 2022.
“I and many other women stand on the shoulders of Senator Priscilla Dunn,” said Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, who succeeded Dunn in Senate District 19. “She was a towering figure in our legislative history, a champion for women, children, the homeless and public education whose impact will be felt for generations. For me, she was more than a mentor and friend; she was a mother figure and the epitome of strength, grace, and compassion.
“A deeply godly woman, she loved her church, her husband Grover, her daughter Karen, and her son-in-law Eric, who passed away last year. She took immense joy in doting on her grandsons, Brock and Blake. And she loved the City of Bessemer and the constituents that she represented.”
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, said Dunn’s public service was an inspiration.
Dunn had a bachelor’s degree in education from Alabama State University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Montevallo.
Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed said Dunn was warm and compassionate toward her fellow senators and the people she represented.
“Senator Dunn served her district with distinction and honor, and I will remember her most for the kindness and grace she showed her constituents and colleagues,” Reed said. “When I entered the Alabama Senate as a freshman member back in 2011, Senator Dunn was one of the first members to welcome me. She was a good friend to me, and I enjoyed serving with her on the Jefferson County delegation for many years. Our prayers are with her family and friends as they grieve her loss.”
