Dorlene Harper

On February 8, 2022, God decided He needed Dorlene and she passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus, surrounded by her loving husband, Jimmy, of 59 years and beloved three daughters.

Born on June 5, 1942, in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late Leonard Pearson and Doris Cole Benner.

She was a 1960 graduate of Northwood High School in Silver Spring. Dorlene worked for 3 years as secretary for the First Baptist Church of Silver Spring and as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of the Baptist Home for the Aging; but her true love was being a homemaker, wife and mother; and spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends.

She was a 45-year member of the Redland Baptist Church and Tri-County Baptist Church for 10 years.  She was a faithful servant of Grace In Store Thrift Shop at Redland Baptist Church, where she couldn’t wait to go to each week. Dorlene was also active volunteering with FCA Sports Camps and the Olney Mill Garden Club, in the early years of moving into Olney Mill. She enjoyed gardening, feeding and watching her birds from her beautiful sunroom and trips to the beach with Jim, her kids and grand/great grands.

Dorlene poured her heart into her family, her husband, 3 girls and grands, who were the highlight of her life.  Dorlene touched everybody’s life, didn’t know a stranger, and made it a point to make all those she encountered, feel so important and special.  She showed up when needed, had your back, gave to those in need and loved fiercely.

Surviving are three daughters: Kathryn Rich and husband Roger, Cheryl Tarte and husband Darrell and Erica Petrolle and husband Tony; seven grandchildren: Chris (Johanna), Michael (Carleigh), Brittany (Peter), Kayla (Brandon), Jake (Julissa), James and Reece; eight great grandchildren: Blake, Carter, Colin, Emma, Camden, Finleigh and Isla; a brother, Roy (Becky); sister-in-law, Betty; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a great granddaughter, Grace and siblings: Shirley (Bob) and Gordon

The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, February 14, at Redland Baptist Church, 6922 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood, followed by a celebration of Dorlene's life at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Mark Adams will officiate.  Interment will follow at All Souls Cemetery in Germantown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Grace In Store Thrift Shop

C/O Redland Baptist Church

6922 Muncaster Mill Dr

Rockville, MD 20855

In memory of Dorlene Harper