Born February 18, 1936, Dorothy Louise Durham to the late Deacon William Durham, Sr., and Margret Rowlett Durham in Norlina, NC the second of nine children. Dorothy attended and graduated from John R. Hawkins High School in June 02, 1955.

In April 28, 1956  Dorothy married Ernest Lynch and moved to Enfield North Carolina.  After a short period she and Ernest followed some of her siblings to Brooklyn, New York.  There they began their family, one daughter Alfreda.  After several years they relocated to Richmond, Virginia.  She began working at Gloria Manufactory as a line seamstress.  After dedicating her life back to Christ, she joined the St. James United Holiness Church.  In 1969 Dorothy and Alfreda moved to Newport News, Virginia joining Gospel Light United Holiness Church where she served in many capacities: President of the Ushers Board (Local and District Level), President of the Pastor Aide and Church Anniversary Committees.  Faithful in her Church Attendance, Sunday School, Bible Study, District Fellowship and she loved attending the Holy Convocations in Greensboro, North Carolina.

April  30, 1983 Dorothy married the late Reverend James E. McCollum and they both continued fellowship at Gospel Light United Holiness Church until the failing of James health and they were unable to attend church.  For those four and half years of his illness they had many who would visit and minister in their home.  After the passing of her husband Dorothy joined the Herald of His Coming Church of God In Christ and began to once again faithfully serve as she has always done.  She walked right into being what she has always been "A Mother in Zion".

Dorothy leaves to cherish many loving memories, daughter: Alfreda Lynch Fleetwood (Son-in-Love – Elder Melvin Fleetwood), two of three girls she raised from childhood: Lorraine Lamb, Hattie Hambrick (Wayne).  Stepson/ Daughter: James E. McCollum, Jr., Judith McCollum Stallings, Spiritual Daughter Alberta M. Sewell (Ronald).  Siblings, brothers: Joe Leon Durham (Richmond, VA) and William Durham, Jr.(Brooklyn, New York), Sisters: Mollie P. Williams (Johnnie) of Norlina, NC.,  Elizabeth A. Lassiter of Richmond, VA.  Nephews, nieces and the many that claimed her as MOM.

Mom loved so many along the way, and so many loved her, and I am grateful.  During her aging years I must acknowledge her Sons and Daughters that help make her last days, her best days: Rev. Steven Briggs, Elder Ernest Taylor, Deacon Michael Lewis, Elder & Mrs. Eddie B Pruitte, and as she would say: "My Grandson", Elder Donald Sewell, Sr and wife Janet.  Special acknowledgment and thanks to Ms. Margret Bailey and sons for many years of helping, being the best neighbors under the sun.

Rest Mom, Until We Meet Again

Viewing will be held Thursday, August 15, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, VA. A homegoing service will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 16, 2024 at Herald of His Coming COGIC, 727 E. 27th Street, Norfolk, VA.