Phyllis Dorsey-Bell was our princess warrior, To know her, you knew she was a strong and outspoken advocate for her family, her friends and for herself. I don't know where this feistiness came from? Could it be from her birth? Born as a premature baby. Or maybe being the youngest kid of seven children? Whatever it was she was a soldier.
Who was Phyllis? She was private, focused, courageous, lively and determined. She had amazing work ethics and was hardworking; often working two or three jobs. She loved to shop and was very generous. She was playful and loved making up nicknames she would fondly call her nieces and nephews. She had a great sense of humor and made people laugh in the way she told a story. She was loyal and she loved her family and friends. Most important she loved Jesus Christ, she was a true believer.
Phyllis Dorsey-Bell was born to her late parents, Esterlene Dorsey-Robinson and Leon Dorsey on March 2, 1957, in Oakland California, Graduated from Fremont High School, Oakland California in 1975. Being the perpetual learner she studied at Laney Junior College (during the '70s) and was always taking certificate courses on various subjects throughout her life.
She grew up in Sweet Home Baptist Church and later as an adult became a member of Acts Full Gospel both churches located in Oakland, California. With her illness, she was a fierce warrior and won numerous battles, even to the end, she fought a good fight. She finished her course and she kept the faith.
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Kenneth Bell, aunt Claretha Bush-Smith, brother Samuel Dorsey and sister Barbara Herrion. Five nieces: Ladecia Fitzpatrick, Stephanie Dorsey, Camisha Dorsey-Jackson, Alisha Dorsey and Racheal Lee. Four nephews: Carlos Fitzpatrick Jr., Terrence Fitzpatrick, Lewis Dorsey, and Reggie Adaway. Four sisters-in-law: Donna Dorsey, Bonnie Dorsey, Florence Dorsey, and Jeanetta Lee. One mother-in-law: Mary Lee. 15 great-nieces and 5 great-nephews. With 1 great-great-niece and 3 great-great-nephews. A host of cousins, family, and friends.
She also had additional sisters (cousins) and a brother (cousin) whom she was raised in the same home: Gloria Larkin, Vickie Purifoy, Patricia Thompson, Beverly Foy, Kathy Lafitte, Sharon Mitchell, and Thomas Smith Jr, She was Auntie Phyllis to 14 nieces and 12 nephews. 13 great-nieces, 24 great-nephews,4 great-great-nephews, and one great-great-niece.
She is welcomed home by her mother, Esterlene Dorsey Robinson, father, Leon Dorsey. Sisters: Retha Mae Holloway and Beatrice Marks. Brothers: Calvin Dorsey and Lee Andrew Dorsey. Nephews: Antonio Stewart and Lashun Foy. Grandparents: Roosevelt Bush and Georgia Wright-Bush.
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