Martha Vincent Dorman, 94

SEAFORD - Martha Vincent Dorman, a lifelong Seaford resident, passed away to be with the Lord on Monday, June 16, 2008, after a short illness. Her family was at home with her. She was 94.

Born Feb. 18, 1914, she was richly blessed. Martha was the first born to Willie Mae Vincent. Her mother passed away when Martha was very young. Her aunt, Emma Lankford, then raised her. She grew up with her brother, Woody, and her foster sister and foster brother, Ada and Perry, all of whom preceded her in death.

After graduating from Frederick Douglass High School, Martha married Granville Dorman. To this union eight children were born, Ronald, Gerald, Frederick, Gilbert, Patricia, Keith, Oliver and Leland.

All of the children were baptized under the auspices of Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church, where all of the children faithfully attended Sunday school and church services.

Martha returned to her home church after all of her children were grown and moved away. She rededicated her life to Christ soon thereafter.

Her husband of nearly 60 years, Granville, passed away on Dec. 20, 1989.

Martha became a faithful member of the Lucretia Nutter Ministry Society and the Lay Organization, and was appointed to the Steward Board. She later joined the Women's Ministry. Martha was a dedicated member of the Sunday school and church.

Martha leaves to mourn many who loved and appreciated her sense of humor. She had an excellent memory, beautiful penmanship and was always willing to share with others.

She was a PTA secretary at Frederick Douglass for more than 25 years.

She was a charter member of the Nanticoke Senior Center and was recognized for her volunteer efforts each year.

Martha loved to read. She had to be the first to read her newspaper every day. She would also quiz her children on what they had read.

She made the time to spend with each of her children individually - showing how much she cared about their grades, how they were doing in school and simple lessons for life.

Martha held her daughter-in-law, neighbor and caregiver, Elva "Bootsie," close to her heart. She also had special relationships with her daughters-in-law Patricia, Evelyn and Maggie for many years. They stayed in touch with her and remained an important part of her life.

Throughout the years sister-in-law Gladys Mildred Wright and brother-in-law the Rev. Charles Robinson were continuously an integral part in Martha's Christian journey.

Margaret Perkins was also a very dear and personal friend.

She is survived by her children, Gilbert (Roberta), Patricia (the late Paul Sr.), Keith (Claudia), Oliver (Gwen) and Leland (Tessie); 27 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; her nieces and nephews; and a host of relatives and friends.

A viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church, Seaford.

Services will be at noon Saturday at St. John's United Methodist Church, Pine and Poplar streets, Seaford, where a viewing will be from 10 a.m. to noon.

In lieu of flowers, make contributions in memory of Martha V. Dorman to Macedonia A.M.E. Church, 431 North St., Seaford, DE 19973.

Professional services by Deborah E. Harris-Nock Funeral Services, Greenwood.