Dolores Del Rio Powers Berry Norman lovingly known as “Dee” was born Dec. 31, 1932, in Paint Bank, VA, the only child to Francis Mildred and John Powers of Mississippi.
In her formative years, she was educated at Bowling High School of White Sulphur Springs and Booker T. Washington of Miami, FL. Dolores would later obtain her master’s degree in business administration from Florida International University (FIU) of Miami, FL, becoming the first in her family to do so. Dolores was a member of the Honor Society at FIU.
Upon moving to Miami, she saw the need to empower young boys in the neighborhood. She formed Cub Scout Pack 201, Den 4, becoming the first and only woman Den Mother in the area. Hiking, camping, outdoor skills and building derby cars for competition were a few of the many activities required to earn cub scout badges,
Dolores worked at South Florida State Hospital and South Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center for over 30 years as a Unit Supervisor caring for the mentally ill. She eventually retired from Children and Family services working with children under state custody. Upon retirement she volunteered at outreach centers throughout her community. Dolores worked with and sponsored at-risk youth and fostered many under privileged families. She spent her entire life caring for others. She provided home hospice care to her mother Francis (5 years), her aunt Estella (5 years) and finally her aunt Arlene (8 years).
She was health conscious and an avid walker ministering salvation to all in her path. She was a faithful and active member at New Way Fellowship Praise and Wordship Center from 1980-2000 and Antioch Missionary Baptist Church from 2000-2024. She attended Sunday school and Bible studies religiously. She served in the mass and senior choirs, senior Saints bible study and the feeding and clothing ministries. During her summer months she transferred her membership to First Baptist Church of WSS, WV, where she served in the mass & senior choirs and as a Deaconess. She also regularly attended Mt, Olive Baptist Church’s bible study in Lewisburg. She looked forward to attending TBN studios live audience on Tuesday evenings. She enjoyed serving her church families and the community.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, former husband and grandson Derek Hollinger. Dolores leaves to cherish her loving memory, four children Diane Paramore, Reginald Berry III, Dawn Houston, and Roderick Berry Sr. (Kendra); grandchildren, John Hollinger, Jerel Hollinger, LaDona McCrea (Arturio), Steve Campbell, Reggie Harper, Tynia Bunch (Dino) Tennille Berry, LeNarris Berry (Michelle), Brooks Brandon (Krystal) , Ma’Kisha Rothmiller, Te’Kerry Armstrong, Roderick Berry Jr.( Malikah), Serita Foster(Julian), Shalisa Hill (Antwan), Shatari Berry, Rashad Stevenson and a host of great and great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Norman are scheduled Monday, Dec. 16, at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of White Sulphur Springs with Pastor Greg Scott and Rev. Ron Sherrod officiating. Interment to be in Greenhill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 12 noon until the time of services on Monday at the church or may stop by Wallace & Wallace, White Sulphur Springs on Sunday, Dec. 15, between the hours of 1 and 5 p.m.
