Dorothy Ann Merritte

Obituary For Dorothy Ann Merritte

VIEWING: Thursday, June 1, 2023 Time: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

SERVICE: Friday, June 2, 2023 Time: 11:00 AM The Bishop George H. Studivant Worship & Conference Center, 2504 Rocky Branch Road, LaCrosse, VA 23950 Rev. Johnnie Fleming, Jr., Officiating

ENTOMBMENT: Monday, June 5, 2023 Time: 3:00 PM Dale Memorial Park, 10201 Newbys Bridge Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832

DOROTHY ANN MERRITTE, affectionately called “Dottie” was born October 12, 1939 to the late Sedora Merritte in Mecklenburg County, VA and departed this life May 27, 2023. She was also preceded in death by her daughter- Beverly A. Merritte and her siblings- Marshall Merritte, Carolyn Russell, and Sandra Russell Phillips.

At an early age she was baptized and joined Union Hill RZUA Church. She was a 1957 graduate of the former East End High School.

After graduation Dorothy moved to Newark, NJ to live with her aunt.

She attended Kean College of New Jersey and received a Masters of Arts Degree on June 3rd of 1982. She was employed as Director of Management Services of New Jersey Department of Correction. On June 30, 2000 Dottie retired from Essex Community College after 28 years of services.

Dorothy was a member of the Democratic Party and a member of the NAACP. She received numerous awards while working in New Jersey. To name a few: In Recognition for her Services from the New Jersey General Assembly on April 24, 2000; A Proclamation from the Mayor of the City of Newark, NJ on May 5, 2000; State Resolution from the State of New Jersey from Senator Rice on May 5, 2000; Resolution from Assemblyman Jones and Caraballo of New Jersey General Assembly on May 5, 2000; County of Essex, NJ; Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders in honor for her services, family services, child, guidance center and NJ Department of Correctional Services; United States Congress House of Representatives on May 5, 2000 for Director of Management Service at Essex County College from Congressman Bill Pascell.

In 2000, Dottie moved back to Virginia and made her home in Chester, VA. She was employed as a Substitute Teacher at Thomas Dale School in Chesterfield, VA. She was also a member of Second Baptist Church, Chester, VA.

Dottie leaves to cherish her memory: a step grandson- Robert Crute of Richmond, VA; five brothers- Charles (Lorraine) Gregory, Melvin (Alice) Gregory, and Robert (Debra) Gregory, all of Chester, VA; Lonnie (Celestine) Gregory of Baskerville, VA and Walter Russell, III of Hampton, VA; two sisters- Sharon A. Russell and Pamela (Eugene) McLaurin, all of Hampton, VA; one aunt- Mattie Merritte of Macon, GA; one uncle- Raymond Ross, Newark, NJ; Godchild- Steven Lesley of Washington, DC; devoted friends- Louise Lesley and Matilda Abavava, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other friends.