Bernice Alberta Dorman was born on September 30, 1924, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to her parents, William Henson and Ada Dawkins Henson. She was one of ten children born in the family. She was raised surrounded by her siblings Arlene, Ethel, Minnie, Willie Mae, Marie, Inez, William, Jr., Murley and Jernice. She received her early education by attending the public schools of Okmulgee. Her sister fondly reflects that "Bernice was just smart!" Throughout elementary and high school, she was always an honor student. She was a Drum Majorette in the school marching band while in high school. The family was raised on the family farm and this certainly made life a bit easier for them. On December 16, 1945, Bernice united in holy matrimony to Lincoln J. Dorman. They first met in Okmulgee. He was the love of her life. They exchanged vows in Los Angeles, California in the home of her sister, Ethel. To this union, Dwight, Lincoln, Jr., Michael, Deborah, and Reginald were born. The family moved to Kansas City, Kansas and in 1951, they relocated to Denver, Colorado. They shared many happy and precious moments together. Bernice and Lincoln were a very loving and social couple. They loved to entertain and attend many of the social events held in the community. She was a member of "The Club" where the group played card games and dominoes on a regular basis. Lincoln preceded her in death on their 48th wedding anniversary on December 16, 1993. By profession, Bernice was employed by The American Woodmen Insurance Company as a Clerk. She was hard working, dependable and performed her duties with a spirit of excellence. She worked for the company for over twenty years. A woman of faith and belief in the Lord, Bernice has been a member of St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church for over fifty years. She truly enjoyed her walk with the Lord and fellowship shared with her church family. Bernice was a fun loving woman, who enjoyed life and those she encircled. In her free time, she enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends. She was an avid Denver Bronco Fan. She was a person who never complained. Some people complain because there are thorns on roses, while others praise thorns for having roses among them. Bernice was one of those roses among us who made the thorns surrounding her easier to live with. She was a beautiful and nurturing woman who made those whom she came in contact with feel better because of her presence. She was loved by all. She was also preceded in death by her son Lincoln J. Dorman, Jr., her parents, William Henson and Ada Dawkins Henson; 6 sisters and 2 brothers. Bernice Alberta Dornan departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on January 23, 2014, in her home in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her children, Michael T. and Reginal J. Dorman, Denver, CO, Deborah D. Dorman Ellis, Riverside, CA, Dwight D. (Ina) Dorman, Las Vegas, NV; one sister, Jernice Woods, Oklahoma City, OK; 3 grandchildren, Shirnice L. (William) Villano, Dwight L. (Angela)Dorman, all Las Vegas, NV and Stephen Ellis, Jr., Riverside, CA; 5 great grandchildren, Marissa Villano, Danille, Villano, Charlotte Dorman and Darren Dorman all of Las Vegas, NV, Senaye Ellis, Riverside, CA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and many friends.
Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremations - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Visitation: 1/31/2014 at 9:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 1/31/2014 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - Denver, CO
Cemetery: 1/31/2014 - Following the Service of Christian Burial Mount Olivet Cemetery - Wheat Ridge, CO
Family Gathering: 1/30/2014 - Following Interment St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church - 2301 York Street, Denver, CO