Collette Ernestine Dorsey Ashiru, 62, of North Chesterfield, after living a faith filled and full life, departed this life quietly in her home on December 1, 2023 under the care of her devoted family members and her caregiver. She was born in 1961 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to the late Rev. Matthew P. and Billie A. Dorsey.

Collette grew up in both Beaufort (Carteret County) and Washington, North Carolina. She loved the coast and enjoyed keeping in touch with her Beaufort family and friends. Collette received her foundation in Christ Jesus at an early age as a member of Purvis Chapel AME Zion in Beaufort and later Metropolitan AME Zion in Washington. Both churches were formerly pastored by her father. Locally Collette was a member of Zion Chester AME Zion Church. She loved the Lord and with her beautiful voice she loved to sing God’s praises. Collette shared His word to encourage others.

She graduated from East Carolina University, with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work in May 1985 and completed her Masters in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2006. “Go Rams”! Collette worked 30 plus years for the Commonwealth of Virginia in service to others. Her passion was always to ensure that individuals with disabilities and seniors received the specialized care that they needed and deserved. Collette retired from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services as a Quality Improvement Program Specialist in January 2020. Prior to her retirement, Collette worked as a Professional Medical Social Worker for both Johnston Willis and John Randolph Hospitals, where she remained until August 2022. Collette loved serving patients in the hospital environment and worked diligently to ensure the best possible outcomes upon their discharge. In her free time she volunteered as an elder friend and kept in contact with family and friends. She was always so enthusiastic about sharing a meal with you, preferably in her home, where she was the hostess extraordinaire! Collette, “Cokopuff”, as she was affectionately called, was an avid sports enthusiast and a devoted VCU Rams fan. She lovingly touched the lives of numerous people in so many ways. Collette always left you with her signature mantra, “Love You More!”

In addition to her parents, Collette was also preceded in death by her babies, Little Collette, Jordan Cicely and Matthew Emmanuel and her special “sister”, Iris Harris.

Left to cherish her memory are her siblings, Volina D. Tyson, Matthew P. Dorsey, Jr., and Leola A. Dorsey, all of Washington, North Carolina; Michelle Collins (Alfred) of Havelock, North Carolina; Rhonda Robinson of Durham, North Carolina; Annie Moore (Alton) of Chester, Virginia; Gilbert C. Dorsey (Elizabeth) of Raleigh, North Carolina; Lawrence W. Dorsey (Daysi) of Las Vegas, Nevada; Harriett Humphrey of Morehead City, North Carolina; paternal aunt, Hazel Smith of Poolesville, Maryland; paternal uncle, Leon Dorsey of Arlington, Virginia; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, Godchildren, Aaron Duhart, Ariston Bailey and Tyrrell Tyson, Jr. and a host of loving friends.

Remains rest at Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023. A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Scott’s Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Live streaming at scottsfuneralhome.com. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, December 11 at Leon Randolph Chapel, 208 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Washington, North Carolina 27889. A graveside celebration service and interment will be held 12 noon Tuesday, December 12 at Pamlico Memorial Gardens, 161 Avon Avenue, Washington, North Carolina 27889. Final services entrusted to Leon Randolph Funeral Home in Washington, North Carolina.

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly all that we ask or think, according to that power that worketh in us. Ephesians 3:20

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the (wo)man that trusteth in Him. Psalm 34-8

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. II Timothy 4:7