On Dec. 31 2010, husband and wife, Kelvin and Demetria Dorsey passed after a tragic hit and run accident at the corner of Florence and Crenshaw. The Dorseys succumbed to injuries at the scene of the accident. We remember them today.
Kelvin Charles Dorsey was born on Oct. 16, 1956 to James and Minnie Dorsey. The fifth child of the family, Dorsey loved music at an early age. Together with his brother and friends, they formed a dance and singing group where the emulated performances of the “Jackson Five” and “Temptations.” Dorsey accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior and attended Travelers Rest Baptist Church.
Demetria Pearl Johnson, also known as “Meicy,” was born on June 12, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois to Devitt and Delitha Johnson. Johnson was the youngest of two children. She attended Lutheran schools throughout her childhood in Chicago. Johnson and her family would later move to Los Angeles in 1968 where she attended Percy Avenue Elementary School, Henry Clay Jr. High and graduated from Gardena High School.
Dorsey attended 99th Elementary, Gompers Junior High and graduated from Locke High School in 1974. He would later join the United States Navy/Reserve, where he served for four years. In 1978, Dorsey started his civilian career in the United States Postal Service as a Con Con Clerk and Shop Steward. He worked there for 30 years before retiring in 2008. Dorsey was honorably discharged in 1979 and would continue his education at L.A. Trade Technical College.
Johnson was known for her integrity, work ethic, strength of will, character and her spirit. After High School, she worked briefly with Pacific Telephone Co. Johnson would follow in her father’s footsteps becoming a Postal Employee in 1981. She began as a Window Clerk; then stand-up Supervisor; trained in Oklahoma City for BMEU technician. Johnson completed 28 years in this profession and was well respected. Later, Dorsey would re-dedicate his life and was baptized at Mona Blvd Church of Christ in 1987.
Johnson would welcome her beautiful daughter, Dia James in 1985, whom she loved and worked to instill great character and self-determination. Johnson was consistent and faithful member of First Church of God. She sang in the choir, worked with video ministry as a young adult and became a faithful prayer warrior.
In 1992, Dorsey and Johnson met and the two would later marry. Dorsey became a member of First Church of God-Center of Hope. From their union, they had one daughter, DeShaunna Dorsey. DeShaunna was the image of her mother, Demetria.
Dorsey would later work at TSA as a Baggage Security Screener and then as a Police Security at the L.A. Airport Police Dept. He spent his time playing sports; he was a left fielder for the undefeated “A-Team” and was on various bowling teams. Dorsey was also a DJ and enjoyed a variety of music.
The Dorseys instilled God in the life of their daughter, DeShaunna. Demetria made sure her daughter kept centered with certain activities and made it a habit to worship together. Dorsey loved his wife, Deemtria, his entire family, and his five girls and grandchildren.
Kelvin and Demetria Dorsey leave behind host of family and friends together and individually. They both leave to cherish their memory daughters: Dia Love (Jon), DeShaunna Dorsey, Tyrisha Dorsey, Trenisha Graham (Anthony), Trameika Dorsey.
Demetria leaves her parents, Devitt and Delitha Johnson; mother-in-law; Minnie Lee Dorsey; sister, Deborah Johnson (Bill Griffin); sisters-in-law: Myrle Jean Jackson (Larry), Barbara Boone (Charles); brothers-in-law: Carl Suttles, Sherman Darnell Dorsey (Vera), Dennis Eugene Dorsey (Meko); 5 godchildren; 4 grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, many cousins, her church family, postal family, and a host of friends
Kelvin is preceded in death by his father James Willie Dorsey, brother James Galbraith and sister Sharon Diane Dorsey. His grandchildren, Jazmine Graham, Cor’dei Chapple, A’riya Johnson, Alaunn Wells and Journey Dorsey. His mother Minnie Lee Dorsey, siblings, Myrle Jean Jackson (Larry), Carl Suttles, Barbara Boone (Charles), Sherman Darnell Dorsey (Vera), Dennis Eugene Dorsey (Meko). He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, many cousins and lots of friends.
Neither one of them will ever be forgotten and will live forever in the hearts of those that loved them.