Doloris Lorraine Irwin

Doloris Irwin was born Doloris Lorraine Carter on July 6, 1932 to Evelyn and Theodore Carter in Springfield, IL. She was the third of ten children and took the role of sister and friend seriously. Doloris attended Feitshans High School and upon her graduation, she began her nurses training at Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Alongside one of her best friends, Melba Jean Irwin, the two integrated their nursing program. While she could have attended more diverse programs, she chose to stay close to home and trailblaze. Upon graduating she went on to successfully complete her exams to become a Registered Nurse; Doloris, along with Melba, were the first African Americans to accomplish RN certification from Memorial Hospital. After a courtship that spanned the seas, Doloris married James LB Irwin Jr. on March 21, 1954. Doloris and James (Beachie) moved to Minneapolis in 1960. Together, they raised nine children as proud Northsiders. For fifty-five years, the two enjoyed a loving marriage fortified by friendship and faith. To Doloris, family was her joy and light. She poured her prayers, love and actions into all whom she cherished. A fierce prayer warrior, Doloris always called on the Lord to be present with her loved ones “from the top to the bottom”. She was lovingly called “Aunt Dee”, “Grandma Irwin”, “Mom Irwin”, and “Nurse Irwin”. Without question, Doloris was royalty in our midst. As a dedicated representative of Christ, Doloris took the business of service seriously; she was devoted to building community through her work as a nurse, an activist, founding member of the Women of Distinction, a facilitator of the women’s groups such as the Wise Women, and numerous community prayer ministries. Doloris was a proud member of Wayman AME Church in North Minneapolis, and for 13 years she enjoyed her membership at Mother St. James AME under the pastoral care of her eldest daughter, Rev. Hallman. While active with her church community she served as a Girl Scout leader, Altar Guild coordinator, Sunday school teacher, Steward, Missionary, Senior Choir member, and coordinator for the annual Old Fashion Sunday program for many years. Doloris Lorraine Irwin transitioned from this life to eternity on Good Friday, April 2, 2021 at 7:11 PM after 88 years and 8 months. She was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn and Theodore; siblings Arlene, Edgar, Richard, Vena Mae, and Gloria; her dutiful husband, James Irwin. She leaves to live in her legacy her sisters Marie Rector, Mabel (Floyd) Patterson, Carol Rush, brother Dale (Peggy) Carter, and sisters-in-love Melba Tinsley and Ella Carter. She leaves to continue her legacy nine children Marchelle (Charles) Hallman, Lyman (Cheryl) Irwin, Edwin (Regina) Irwin, Jojuana Dickson, Tamera (Jeffrey) Williams, Danielle (Charles) Quinn, Carmen (Brandon) Price, Damont (Donna) Jones, and Janitta Irwin; twenty-three grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and a host of beloved relatives and friends.

Doloris Lorraine Irwin

July 6, 1932 - April 5, 2021