Rev. Dr. Oliver Dorsey, age 81, of Decatur, GA, formerly of Cornelia, died on January 14, 2023.
Oliver Dorsey was born and raised in Cornelia, GA. After returning home from military service in Vietnam, he and his wife, Naomi, moved to Decatur. He served as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Mt. Airy for 33 years and retired on Dec. 31, 2022, due to his health.
During his time at Ebenezer Baptist, Dr. Dorsey oversaw the construction of the church’s new sanctuary and appeared several times on Rev. Billy Burrell’s morning Gospel show on WCON Radio.
Known to his congregation and the Habersham County community as a dedicated man of faith, Dr. Dorsey traveled from Decatur to Mt. Airy every Sunday to preach.
“He loved Habersham County and his community. He loved the mountains,” says Ebenezer Baptist Church Deacon Victor Scott.
Even when churches were closed due to Covid, Dr. Dorsey would still drive up to Mt. Airy and deliver his messages from the church office.
“He said I’ve got to come to the mountains,” Scott recalls. “The church was empty, but he still delivered his message from the church because he wanted to come to the mountains.”
Dr. Dorsey was preceded in death by his son, Oliver Dorsey, Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Naomi Dorsey, and son Omar J. Dorsey.
Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Greenforest Community Baptist Church, 3250 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, GA, 30034, Dr. Pennon Lockhart, Pastor; Rev. Joseph Howard, Eulogy.
Omega service will be held Saturday morning at 9 a.m. Interment will follow at Kennedy Memorial Gardens.
A viewing will be held Friday, January 20, 2023, from 2-6 p.m. at Willie A. Watkins Lithonia Chapel, at 5843 Redan Road, Lithonia, GA.
Online condolences may be shared at williewatkins.com.
Final arrangements are entrusted to the care of Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Carrollton Chapel, at 602 Newnan Road, Carrollton, GA. 770-836-0044.
