SEAFORD - Elva Letechia Dorman, affectionately known as "Bootsie", was born on Aug. 3, 1934 to the late Percy and Edna Hopkins in Bridgeville. Elva was granted her wings with her family by her side on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017 at her daughter's home.
Elva was a devoted wife, nurturing mother and grandmother. Elva was known to be a soft-spoken person. She was a loving, compassionate woman who had a big heart and loved helping others, especially children.
She was raised in the Bridgeville area. Elva attended Phyllis Wheatley School and Jason Comprehensive High School in Georgetown.
On Aug. 24, 1956, she married Frederick W. Dorman and from this union four children were born, Michael, Raymond, Edna "Cookie" and Vanessa.
Elva, in her earlier years, worked for DelAgra Corporation in Bridgeville and retired from Stockley Center near Georgetown after 25 years of service.
In the mid-80s, she became a member of Macedonia AME Church, Seaford, under the leadership of Reverend Walter Dixon. With a servant's heart, she participated in many facets of ministry; she served on the Trustee Board, Usher Board, Senior Choir, Gospel Choir, Youth Choir and was a founding member of the Heavenly Beams.
Elva took pride in her beautiful flower garden. She loved watching soap operas, especially The Young & The Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. She loved Steve Harvey shows and puzzle books. In her earlier years, she enjoyed cooking, especially her corn pudding and 7-layer salad. She loved being around her family especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed talking on the telephone with her friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick W. Dorman; three sisters, Hazel, Alice, Marlene; four brothers, Percy Jr, Lewis, William, Franklin; one great-grandson, Charles "Trey" Laws III.
To cherish her memories, she leaves her loving children, Michael (Beverly) Dorman of Virginia, Raymond Dorman of New Jersey, Edna "Cookie" Laws, of Delaware (her care-giver), Vanessa (Gregory Sr.) Robinson of Delaware; nine grandchildren, Marty, Sr., Gregory Jr, LaKeenia, Wayne, Michael, Jr., Derrick, Charles, Jr. "BJ", Lutesia, Sierra; 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; a brother, Albert; a sister, Anna Mae; seven sisters-in-law, Patricia Randall, Evelyn, Roberta, Claudia, Gwendolyn, Tessie, Patricia and Maggie; four brothers-in-law, Oliver, Leland, Keith, Sr. and Gilbert; two god-children; and a host of special friends (near and dear to her heart), nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
There will be a Viewing on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 437 N. Front Street, Seaford and the Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017 at the Alliance Church, 22625 Atlanta Road, Seaford at 1 p.m. with a viewing two hours prior.
To offer words of comfort or sign the guest book visit www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com. Professional services entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Seaford.