ERATH, KATC — The rich history of the Dozier family, rooted deeply in the fabric of the Erath community, is being celebrated as descendants work to preserve their legacy. Dana Comeaux, a great-great-granddaughter of Robert and Francis Dozier, recalls her childhood memories of the church that was a cornerstone of their family’s commitment to education.
“As a young child, I grew up just down the street,” Comeaux reflected. “I could remember the gospel music and preaching that came out of this little church.”
The church, established over 112 years ago, stands as a testament to the Dozier family’s resilience. Comeaux describes the original pews still present in the church, a tangible connection to its storied past.
“Before Martin Luther had a dream, they had a dream,” she said, emphasizing the Doziers’ determination to educate their ten children despite the societal challenges of their time. “Their dream was to educate their ten children.”
Robert and Francis Dozier were formerly enslaved individuals who migrated from Kentucky. Understanding the vital role of education, they made significant sacrifices to ensure their children received an education during the Jim Crow era when public schooling was often legally inaccessible to people of color.