Dolorise Bray

Dolorise Phillips Bray, 91, of Columbus, Ohio passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at the Ohio State University Main Hospital after a brief stay in hospice care. Her unyielding commitment to faith and family were the cornerstones of her life. 

Born December 1, 1930 in Greensboro, NC, she was the daughter of the late Oliver Phillips and Mattie Cooper.

Dolorise was lovingly known to her close family as “Tootie'; however her inseparable sister Eleanor and she used the term of endearment “Tuttie” for each other. Given they shared this name, it was hard at Christmas to determine who got which gifts.

She grew up in Greensboro, NC where she received her early education in the Greensboro public schools. After graduating from Dudley Senior High School in 1948, she attended the Emmanuel Lutheran Junior College where she concentrated her studies in Business Administration. Understanding the importance of education, she received her Bachelor Of Science in Business Administration from A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. Dolorise landed her first job in West Virginia but quickly moved to Columbus, Ohio and began a dutiful and fulfilled career at The Ohio State University as a Residential Specialist.With a cheerful attitude and bright smile, Dolorise loved the Buckeyes so much she retired twice, once in December 1998 and later in November 2017.

Her devotion, commitment and love of God was ever present in her life as she faithfully attended and served at St. Philip Lutheran Church for decades in a myriad of ways. From Sunday School teacher, worship committee, chancel choir, assisting with the food pantry, leading school supply drives for youth, and a member of Women of the ELCA were only a few ways that Dolorise displayed her love of God. Her meticulous detail was on display every Sunday as she oversaw the preparation of the altar and paraments.

Dolorise married the late Cassius M. Bray, MSG USA (Ret), in 1961 in Columbus, Ohio, where she carried out the remainder of her life.

Dolorise cherished her beautiful relationship with her sister Eleanor. They talked every day, joyfully reminiscing about the “good ole days”.  Dolorise had joy in her heart for everyone she met. She lived every moment to the fullest; always looking to God for discernment.

She is survived by her sister Eleanor P. Hill, Newport News, VA; niece Sherri P. Brown, McLean, VA and nephew Michael Phillips, Greensboro, NC; great-nieces Kristen Brown, Arlington, VA and Nailah Phillips, Herndon, VA; great-nephews Nikolas Brown, Denver, CO and Naeem Phillips, Washington, DC; and avery special first cousin Yvonne Smith, McLean, VA.    

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Cassius M. Bray, MSG USA (Ret), brother Oliver (Buddy) Phillips, nephews Tony and Bruce Phillips.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 11am on May 10, 2022 at St. Philip Lutheran Church located at 1506 E. Long Street, Columbus, Ohio, followed by the burial at Green Lawn Cemetery, 1000 Greenlawn Ave, Columbus Ohio.  

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