Dorcella Julietta (Bell) Raftin was born on November 25,1956, to parents, Reverend J.W. and Helen(Ramseur) Bell, in Shelby, North Carolina.
Dorcella received her formal education from Boggs Academy class of 1974 in Keysville, GA. She participated in the Drama club, National Honor society, and the choir. After graduation, she went on to continue her studies at Fisk University and Meharry Medical College where she studied Healthcare Management. She became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority (PI chapter) in the fall of 1976.
In 1979, Dorcella married her high school sweetheart Michael(Smokey)Raftin and moved to Augusta, GA where she began working at Dwight D. Eisenhower medical center. In their union, three children were born. Dorcella enjoyed playing volleyball, cooking, and singing.
In 1988, Dorcella and family moved to Atlanta, Ga where she began working at West Paces Ferry hospital. She continued her career in various Management roles and decided to transition into teaching at Everest Medical College. She served at Shiloh Baptist Church where she continued to sing in various choirs. Her passion for teaching and singing continued until her health declined in 2009.
Dorcella Raftin departed life on Friday, April 17, 2020 at Miller County Hospital in Colquitt, GA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. J.W. and Helen Bell, and sibling Carl Cumming.
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Michael Raftin; two sons, Travis and Tarik Raftin; one daughter, Treva Raftin McCoy (Daryl); one sister, Sharron Moulden(James) Oakridge, TN; grandchildren, Tyrese, Tyson, Tytianna, Sadiq, Lily, Shirelle, Tierra, Tionna, Jada, Prince, and Legend; great grandchildren, Zeke and Zander; A host of nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.
The Staff of Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to support and serve the family with Dignity, Respect and Integrity.
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