Doreatha (Pettaway) Bryant

Doreatha Bryant was born in Tarboro, Edgecombe County, North Carolina on November 15, 1941 to Catherine and Edward Pettaway.  She moved to Newport News, Virginia at an early age and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1960. 

She attended Virginia State College in Petersburg, Virginia and Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia, majoring in Elementary Education.  She was a member of the drill team and the track team.

Doreatha met the lifetime love of her life , Walberge (Walby) in 1963 and was married in 1964.  From this union, three children were born; Michael, Cynthia and Kimberly. 

She was employed over 30 years as an Air Force Civilian employee. 

She enjoyed reading, homemaking, interior decorating and listening to good Gospel music.  She also enjoyed watching her favorite television shows: “The Waltons,” “Little House on the Prairie,” “Forensic Files,” “Chopped,” “Wheel of Fortune,” and “Jeopardy.”

Doreatha enjoyed family time, especially time spent with grandchildren, who were truly precious to her. 

She was always a mother figure to the AFJROTC cadets at Glasgow High School, always providing support, love and guidance.

Doreatha was a happy, fun loving person, who had a very warm and engaging personality and had the ability to light up a whole room.  She really enjoyed the holidays, spending time with family and preparing great meals.

She grew up in a spirited home and was a true Christian.  She joined Dover Christian Church and sang with the Women of Worth (WOW) Choir.  She really enjoyed her church family, while studying the Word of God, under the leadership of Pastor Henderson and Sister Beverly Henderson. 

Doreatha also loved traveling while she was stationed overseas with her family in Europe.  One of her fondest memories was attending the Papal audience in Rome and seeing the Pope.  She always had an opinion and would let you know how she felt.  She was a “straight forward” person and did not mix words!

She leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted husband for almost 53 years, Waldberg; her children, Michael, Cynthia and Kimberly; grandchildren, Brittney, Brandyn, Jasmine, Zachary, Jaden, Jalen and Deja Monet; Siblings, Edward Jr. of Newport News, Virginia, Julia (Leslie) of Suffolk, Virginia, Clarence (Doris) of Hampton Virginia, Regina (Robert) of Columbia, South Carolina, Howard (Stella) of Newport News, Virginia and Darlene of Glen Allen, Virginia.  

During her illness, the Lord requested her presence in Heaven.  She had a vision of seeing her brothers and sisters lined up in white robes.  However, she asked the Lord to allow her to stay a bit longer with her family.  She said, “Father, when you come back for me, I’ll go along willingly.  I promise.”

This time, when the Lord returned, she was at peace.  She was ready and willingly boarded the ship for Zion.

It hurts us all to lose such a beautiful child of God, but who are we to question God?  He is the controller of our destiny.  He knew that she had suffered a long time during her illness.  Many times, she said that she was tired of the tremendous pain and suffering and requested that He bring her home.

She is now pain free in Heaven with the angels.  Let us all remember her beautiful personality and the truly super person that she was. 

“Sweetheart, I will always love you and miss you so much.  Someday we will meet again on the other side.”

Viewing Monday 6-8 pm at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Avenue.  Funeral Service Tuesday, 10 am at Wyoming United Methodist Church, 216 Wyoming Mill Road, Dover, DE.  The Pastor Theodore A. Henderson, officiating.  Friends may gather at the church 1-hour prior to the service.  Interment 2 pm Tuesday at Delaware Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Bear, DE

 Service Information