DeCelia Whitehurst Dozier

DeCelia Whitehurst Dozier, known affectionately as Celie or Dee to her family and friends, passed away on March 8, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on July 31, 1943, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, she was the youngest of three children born to Reginald Eugene Whitehurst and Valeria Lee Whitehurst (Rhodes). She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Patricia Whitehurst Markham and Reginald Eugene Whitehurst Jr., and her daughter, Ann Marie Dozier.

Celie is survived by her husband of 60 years, Franklin Riley Dozier Jr. of Suffolk, Virginia; her son, Franklin Riley Dozier III and his wife Rhonda of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina; her granddaughters, Samantha Ann Michaud and her husband Jason of Gloucester, Virginia, and Miranda Marie Daniels and her boyfriend Andrew of Suffolk, Virginia; as well as her beloved nieces and nephew.

An intelligent, hardworking, and deeply caring woman, Celie graduated from the University of North Carolina in just three years with a Bachelor’s degree in English. She dedicated 30 years of her career to Newport News Social Services, where she served as Senior Supervisor of Child Welfare. Even with a demanding professional life, she remained a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She cherished traveling with her husband, spending time in the Outer Banks with loved ones, completing puzzles, gardening, and doting on her granddaughters.

Celie’s warm demeanor, indomitable patience, and quiet generosity made her a steady source of strength and comfort for her family. Her caring spirit and gentle presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.