Dorthea (West) Walker

      With profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the life of Dorthea West, whose love, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family and community will forever remain in our hearts. Born on October 25, 1955 Dorthea was the beloved daughter of the late William West Sr. and Juanita West. 

     She was educated in the Philadelphia School District and graduated from John Bartram High School in 1973, where she earned her high school diploma and a Medical Assistant license. Although she pursued medical training, her true calling was caring for others. She dedicated much of her career to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, touching countless lives with her patience, compassion, and kind spirit.

     In 1998, Dorthea courageously packed up her family and relocated to Delaware in search of new opportunities. There, she began working at Delaware State University as a line server, where she became known for her warm smile and welcoming personality. After years of faithful service, she retired, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication.

     Dorthea spent her life loving, giving, and pouring every ounce of herself into the people she cherished. Her greatest accomplishment was never measured by titles or possessions; it was the family she built, the lives she touched, and the unconditional love she gave so freely.

​     From the moment she became a mother, she devoted herself to making sure her children, grandchildren, and everyone she loved knew they were cared for. She was the heart of her family; the one with the listening ear, the comforting embrace, and the ability to make everyone feel safe. She was the person you called with good news, bad news, or no news at all. She was a best friend, protector, teacher, and constant source of strength whose wisdom, humor, and unwavering support left an unforgettable mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

     Her home was always open to anyone in need. She welcomed family, friends, and even strangers with open arms, making sure everyone had a place to stay, a meal to eat, and knew they were loved. She believed family was created through love as much as blood, and she lived that belief every day.

     Dorthea found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. No matter the time of year, she loved watching Christmas movies. She enjoyed playing games on her phone, spending time playing cards with family and friends, and visiting one of her favorite places, the casino. She was a true foodie who especially loved African cuisine and never turned down her favorite pork yock. She also had a passion for traveling, especially cruising to destinations around the world and creating unforgettable memories with those she loved.

     She found her greatest joy in spending time with family, sharing stories, laughing together, and creating memories that will live on for generations. Her home was a place of love, comfort, and acceptance, where everyone knew they belonged.

     Dorthea was preceded in death by her parents, William West Sr. and Juanita West; her sons Dwayne West and Erion Walker; her stepson Cory Smith; and her brother, Ricardo West.

     She leaves to cherish her precious memory her children Arese Walker (Sabrina Walker) and stepson Veron Smith (Tasha Smith); her daughter in love Danyelle Perry; her beloved grandchildren: Ja’nay West Butler (Chanel West Butler), Nyraina Walker, Jasil Joyner, Jaray Joyner (Bria Joyner), Dontae Hill, Shiyle Craig-Hill, Yamir Walker, Angel Harris, Jeremiah Walker, J’Kara Gresham, Jae’Lyn Gresham, Nasir, Jade Walker, Ava’Rese Walker, Nasia Smith; Markus Smith; Ivy Smith and 14 cherished great grandchildren.

     She is also survived by her loving siblings, Vanessa West (Aaron Scarborough), Annette West, Alonzo West, Anthony West, William West Jr. (Janaemae West), and Queen Harris; her two lifelong best friends, Shirley Andrews and Reginald Williams; along with a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

​     Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Dorthea’s love, compassion, generosity, and beautiful spirit will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched. Her legacy is one of selflessness, resilience, unconditional love, and unwavering devotion to family. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in our hearts.

     A funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 3, 2026 at the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming DE 19934 where there will be a viewing from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00A.M. Friday.  Burial will be private.  Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorthea (West) Walker, please visit our floral store.