Dorise Jean Donelson was the 1 ^st treasured gift born to Edward and Retha Donelson on Saturday, February 21, 1953.  She was called to eternal rest on Thursday, July 29, 2021.  She was preceded in death by both parents, and a brother, Edward Donelson, Jr.

Dorise possessed many talents, but her musical talents-- singing and playing piano, were her forte.  She was an anointed vessel who used these gifts to minister to God's people in song.  And oh, what a "songbird" she was.  No one ever had to beg her to sing, it was simply what she loved to do, and she did it effortlessly.  She was a member of the Chorale clubs at both Booker T Washington High/Arkansas Senior High and was a member of the graduating Class of 1971.  After which, she attended and completed a course of study leading to an Associate Degree at Texarkana College.

Dorise accepted Christ at an early age as a member of Park Avenue Baptist church where she sang in the church's choirs.  She sang with several church choirs and was always a trusted soprano in musicals of many churches within the Ark-La-Tex.  She also served as a musician for many churches in the area—but always found herself migrating back to her first love, singing.  During a move to Venice California after her high school graduation, her powerful voice resonated as she sang with various groups in the Southern California area.  It was during her time in Venice that she was blessed with her 1 ^st treasured gift, a son named Dontrell.  She united in marriage with James Rose Sr in 1980 and to this union, Markeia and James, Jr were born.  For the last 4 years, her beloved Fiancée, Willie Price, made those some of the happiest years of her life.

Dorise dedicated her life to helping others and used this servant mindset working at St Michael Hospital until 2005, when her health began to fail.  She had such a sweet, and caring disposition which positioned her well in servicing family members in the hospital's Admissions area.

As a family, we will always remember her infectious smile, glowing disposition, and demeanor not only to us, but to everyone she met.  Remaining on this earth to celebrate her rich life and legacy are: her children, Don (Jill) Fleming, Markeia Rose and James Rose, Jr.; her beloved grandchildren, Walter Clark, II and Alexandria "Alex" Clark; her god-granddaughter, LaNasha Harris; her siblings, James White, Alice Hearon, M. Frances Thompson, Helen Webb, Marva (Mike) Simpson, William (Deborah) Donelson and Jamesetta White; as well as a host of nieces/nephews, grandnieces/nephews, great-grandnieces/nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.