Dorothy Holbert (Lansing)

Deaconess Dorothy Jean Holbert passed away Monday, April 20, 2020 at her residence in Lansing, Michigan. Age 95 years. She was born in Como, Mississippi, the daughter of Robert Orr and Lucy Young Orr.

Dorothy lived in Lansing, Michigan. She was a member of St. Matthew AME Church where the Reverend Doctor Kay Porter is the pastor. Dorothy helped establish St. Matthew AME Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Rosa Lee Porter at the time. She served her church in several capacities such as an usher and leader for the Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting. Dorothy was ordained Deaconess Dorothy Holbert in 1974. She was a faithful servant and dedicated member until 1992; at which time she became a member of St. Luke Community Church. There she served as Mother of the Church under the pastorship of Reverend Andrew Brodie. Dorothy remained a member here until 2015 at which time she decided to return to St. Matthew AME Church. There she took her rightful place as Deaconess Dorothy Holbert until her death. Dorothy loved the Lord and trusted in Him completely. She would always say to us, “Don’t worry about me. I’m in the hands of the Lord and when I leave, here I’ll leave out in His hands.”

Dorothy was employed by Lansing Board of Water and Light in the cafeteria until it closed in 1980. She loved to cook and have family over. Baking biscuits and cakes were her hobbies as well as feeding her family and the neighbors is what made her happy. Being there to help anyone in need if she could. Her door was always open as well as her heart.

She leaves to cherish her memories 4 children, Betty Brisco, Oliver Lee Orr, Louise Holbert, David Leon Holbert, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren; many of her St. Matthew AME Church Family, many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Holbert; children, Johnny Lee Holbert, Edward Charles Holbert, Barbara Ann Holbert, Larr Holbert; parents, Lucy Young Orr and Robert Orr; siblings, Robert Orr, Oliver Orr, G.C. Orr, Brody Orr, Joe Lee Orr, Hattie Orr Crenshaw and Joella Orr Walton; grandchildren, Anthony Holbert, Ashley Johnson, and Brandon Holbert.