Mrs. Maria Dozier

Obituary For Mrs. Maria Dozier

For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8 KJV

Maria Porter Dozier was born on Wednesday, August 7, 1940, in Dalzell, SC to the late Deacon Samuel Porter and Elizabeth Bolden Porter. She peacefully exchanged mortality for immortality, surrounded by love, on Saturday, July 9, 2022, after an extended illness. A Celebration of Life will take place Friday, July 15, 2022• 1:00 PM at Marion Missionary Baptist Church 777 Marion Church Road Salters, SC 29590

Life Reflections For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8 KJV

Maria Porter Dozier was born on Wednesday, August 7, 1940, in Dalzell, SC to the late Deacon Samuel Porter and Elizabeth Bolden Porter. She peacefully exchanged mortality for immortality, surrounded by love, on Saturday, July 9, 2022, after an extended illness. Maria was the 3rd of 7 children born into a loving, Christian, household. At an early age, Maria’s parents consistently instilled in her and her siblings the importance of having a true relationship with God. Maria’s parents also emphasized the importance of loving each other and sticking together as a family unit. The bonds Maria shared with her parents and her siblings were unbreakable and she cherished her relationship with each of them. Maria was educated in the Sumter Co. School System, and she was a proud member of Ebenezer High School, Class of 1959. Upon graduating from high school, Maria matriculated at Morris College in Sumter, SC. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry on May 27, 1964. Later that year, she moved to Philadelphia Pennsylvania where she became the first African American Lab Technician at the Keebler Biscuit Company now known as the Keebler Company. While attending Morris College, Maria met her future husband, Robert Lee Dozier and on September 11, 1964, they were joined in Holy Matrimony. They remained happily married for 57 years until Robert was called home to be with the Lord on November 23, 2021. In 1968, Maria and Robert left Philadelphia and moved back to Trio, SC where she began working at D.P. Cooper Elementary School. Maria went on to obtain her certification in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education from South Carolina State College (now known as South Carolina State University). Maria had a passion for education, and she taught 3rd and 4th grade within the Williamsburg Co. School System for 28 years. Throughout her teaching tenure, Maria also attended college courses at Francis Marion University in Florence, SC. Maria loved teaching, she loved learning, and most importantly she loved and valued her students. In addition to her professional career as a teacher, Maria was also a homemaker, a loving wife, and a devoted mother. She and her husband were blessed with 3 daughters and one son. Maria and Robert ensured that their growing family was Christ centered and they taught each of their children the “Golden Rule” and that is to treat others the way you want to be treated. Maria loved to sew, and she often made matching outfits for herself and her daughters. Her homemade biscuits were a special treat for her family, and she loved to work in her flower beds and with her potted plants. Maria loved God, her family, and her church family. She faithfully served as a Deaconess at Marion Missionary Baptist Church for more than 45 years. Throughout her many years at Marion Baptist, she sang on the Gospel Choir, served as a Vacation Bible School Teacher, and was an active participant in Sunday School, Noon Day Prayer, the Women’s Ministry, the Library Ministry, and the Health Awareness Team Ministry. In addition, she cheerfully volunteered her services whenever and wherever needed. She loved Marion Baptist and dedicated herself to its spiritual and financial growth. She knew each church member by name and had a special love for each and every one who walked through the church doors. Maria was also an active member of the Lillie White Chapter #349, Order of the Eastern Star until her health began to decline. Maria was a Godly woman, and she left a positive, impression on everyone she encountered. She had a quiet, calming spirit and many people often trusted her with their innermost secrets. She was a Prayer Partner to many and a confidant who would never reveal the private conversations she held with others. Maria was well known and well-loved throughout the Trio and surrounding communities. After her biological children grew up and left the nest, she became a Godmother to Terrence, Damiano, and Damiene Green. She affectionately referred to them as “Her Boys” and she looked forward to seeing and hearing from them even after they reached adulthood and moved away from the Trio Community. She loved “Her Boys” dearly along with their sister Harriette Green. Maria was predeceased by both of her parents, (Samuel and Elizabeth Porter), her daughter Brenda Michelle (Mickie), her unborn grandson Chandler, and her husband of 57 years, Robert Lee Dozier. Those left to cherish her precious memories are her devoted daughters Sharon (Wayne) Richbow and Katina (Chaunce) Harris, one son, Robert Tyrone Dozier, granddaughters Kayla Sparks, Gabrielle Richbow, and Courtney Richbow. Five sisters, Eloise White, Eva Carroll, Maggie McMillan (Chappell), Rosa Williams and Elizabeth Sumpter, one brother, Rev. James (Catherine) Porter, Six sisters in law whom she loved as sisters-Lillie Matthews, Odell Bartell, Lila Dozier, Iva D. Nesmith, Thelma Dozier, and Catherine Dozier. Also remaining to carry on Maria’s legacy of love is a special former student and good friend Joan M. Brown and a host of special nieces, nephews, other close relatives, and lifelong friends. Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there is memory, they’ll live on in our hearts~~Author: Mary Alice Ramish