Bernice Evelina Dorman

“But let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” Proverbs 3 1-2 Bernice E. Dorman went peacefully to her rest on Friday, May 17, 2019. She was born on December 3, 1927, in a small town called Magruder, near Williamsburg, in York County, Virginia. She was the seventh child of the late George E. B. Tabb and Mary Alice Parker Tabb. The family was large with ten boys and three girls. She lived on a farm, with her family, in Magruder, which is now Camp Peary. After the Tabbs, and many others families, lost their property to eminent domain, they moved to Grove, Virginia. She attended Magruder Baptist Church and accepted Christ at an early age. While there she enjoyed Sunday School and singing on the Junior Choir. Later, she joined Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. She was educated in the public-school system, first attending Oak Grove School and later graduated from Bruton Heights School, in Williamsburg , Virginia. She loved sports and played basketball in high school. Always the go getter, her first job was a paper route, delivering The Journal and Guide, a prominent African-American newspaper in the area. After high school, she attended Virginia State briefly before moving to Philadelphia, PA. Bernice followed her sister Ruby and brother Leroy to Philadelphia. She worked in many different clothing factories. It was in Philadelphia that she met a young sailor, who would become her husband. Bernice married Robert W. Dorman, Jr., in 1952. From this union they had two daughters, Ava Jennifer and Lisa Roberta. Bernice’s life in Philadelphia was very happy. There were elaborate birthday parties, dinners, picnics, and cook outs. Bernice joined Canaan Baptist Church and worked with the Pastor’s Aide. She was also an avid gardener. A born leader, Bernice became president of the Pleasant Neighbors Garden Club and organized events for the neighborhood children, as well as adults. Once her children were in school, Bernice continued her education and studied barbering. She obtained her license and worked in several shops in the Northwest section of the city. She would often say, “ I am not a barber. I am a hair stylist for men.” Her customers were loyal and appreciated her straight-forward advice. Even if they didn’t always ask for it. She worked hard and eventually owned her own barbershop called A Cut Above…Unisex Hairstyling Inc. After 28 years as a hairstylist for men and women she retired. She and Robert built a home on the Tabb family land in Grove and moved back to Virginia, in 1997. Bernice wasn’t done with organizing and leading. She rejoined Mt. Gilead Baptist Church and served as the President of the Missionary Board. Her days were spent visiting the sick and shut-in and calling friends. She became very active in the local chapter of the NAACP. Bernice was also an integral part of the Oak Grove Alumni Association Inc. She served as the president and helped to fund raise and promote black history in the Williamsburg area. First and foremost, Bernice loved people. Known as “Aunt Bernice” to almost everyone, before her health declined she enjoyed entertaining her family and friends, who were like family. In times like these she would lean on the Lord; “Keep the Faith” was her sound advice. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Robert and her daughter, Ava. Left to cherish her memory is her daughter: Lisa Dorman Pressley; two grand-daughters: Maya Jeanine Dorman Pressley and Acacia Danielle Dorman Pressley; two brothers: V. Langford Tabb (Evangeline) and Cardell Tabb (Susie); many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.