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Mrs. Dover was the daughter of Albert P. Lipp and Mary Jane Lelette. She was a native of Windsor, Ontario Canada. She immigrated to the States in 1871 and married John H. Dover in 1885.

Mrs. Dover was the Vice President of the Phyllis Wheatley Club in 1900, its first year, and then the President of the club at a later time. Founded in 1899, the Phyllis Wheatley Club was the first affiliate club of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs established in Buffalo. Mrs. Dover was a leader in the group's organization of a protest rally in November 1900 to advocate for the involvement of Afro Americans in the Pan American Exposition.

Mrs. Dover was the secretary of the Eastern Star and a member of the Ladies Aide Society. The census also lists her occupation as nurse.

She was also very active in the Ladies GAR group at that time. Inscribed on her headstone is the following: "In memory of Mary J. Dover who founded the first circle of ladies GAR in Buffalo August 16, 1893 Dedicated by the Ladies GAR." Her husband, John, was a Civil War veteran having served with the Colored troops.

Her funeral was held at St. Philip's Episcopal church. She is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York.