Dolores Sullivan Adams Perez

Dolores Sullivan Adams Perez, age 96, left our earthly world in the presence of her family on March 5, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Alfred Joseph Perez; her daughter, Susan Marie Perez Goodwin; and her parents, John Loftus Scully Adams, Nellie Grace Storey Adams, Fannie Lou Storey Sullivan Dyer, and Stone Devours Sullivan. She is survived by her daughters, Patricia Lynn Perez Balius (David), and Cheryl Ann Perez; grandchildren, Jessica Balius Bullard (Joey), Jeannine Balius Seeley, Elizabeth Achtemeier, Rebecca Goodwin, and Scott Achtemeier; great-grandchildren, Alaina Plaster, Zoey Bullard, Kamryn Bullard Linn (Harrison), Madilyn Bullard, Marshall Seeley, Anna Claire Eiland, Sarah Achtemeier, Andrew Achtemeier, Caroline Achtemeier, and Michelle Achtemeier.

Dolores was born in Birmingham, Alabama, during the Great Depression, but her life was full of adventure. The family moved around to wherever work could be found, including Mississippi, Georgia, and New York. They settled back in Birmingham, where she attended Ensley High School. In school, she played clarinet in the band and won several awards. She also learned to play piano, which became a lifelong love.

She was born under a wandering star and always wanted to travel and see the world. After graduation, she joined the United States Department of State and served as a secretary with the Occupation Forces in Frankfurt, Germany. While in Germany, she met and married Alfred Joseph Perez. They traveled extensively across Europe before returning to the States. After returning, they settled in Atlanta, Georgia, where she became a photographer. Throughout her amazing life she continued to travel extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Africa. She worked as a photographer, kindergarten teacher, and secretary. She was also a costume designer, Girl Scout Leader, Sunday School teacher, clogger, and reluctant camper extraordinaire.

Dolores loved her family more than anything. She always had a song in her heart. Always happy and joyful. She taught us how to love and how to sing. Most of all, she taught us the importance of family and the love of God. She rejoiced in knowing she was going to join with the Saints in heaven and be part of the Heavenly Choir of Angels and be reunited with her husband, daughter, and all of her family. We will miss her always.

Services for this wonderful lady will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Ridouts-Brown Service Prattville Chapel, 347 E. Main Street, Prattville, Alabama, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. A short committal service will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, 310 Wetumpka Street, Prattville, Alabama.