Dorna Conwell Stover, 66, transitioned to be with her Heavenly Father on Oct. 29, 2016.
Dorna was born in Rich Square, N.C. on Nov. 27, 1949 to Lucille Ray Conwell and Lorenza Lawrence Conwell. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings Lawrence and Cynthia Lauriece Walker. Dorna leaves her loving husband, LeConte F. Stover; two cherished children, LeConte (Raliana Vendrell) Conwell Stover and Aiesha Conwell Stover; three grandchildren; brother, Lorenzo (Tammy) Conwell; and a sister, Arleene (Frank) Mitchell.
Dorna attended St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, N.C. where she met her husband. She graduated from Sacred Heart University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, and later obtained a Master of Public Administration from the University of Hartford. Dorna picked up her cooking skills from her mom and older sister, contributing and hosting many Thanksgiving, Christmas, and cookout gatherings in North Carolina, Connecticut, and Maryland.
Dorna spent the bulk of her work career at the Recovery Network of Programs (RNP) in Shelton where she climbed through the ranks to the role of chief operating officer. There she was instrumental in modernizing data collecting, reporting, and medical dispensing. She had a knack for writing and gaining grants to support a variety of projects. Dorna was a member of DMHAS Multicultural Advisory Council and the co-chair of Region I, Multicultural Council.
An avid traveler, she spent family vacations in North Carolina and at Disney, Cancun, Toronto and Montreal. As a member of the National Association of Black Social Workers, she visited Ghana and South Africa. She later made a trip to Egypt and toured historic ruins and museums. She enjoyed numerous cruises, including her favorite — Alaska’s Inner Passage; and several Caribbean cruises. Her passion for reading led her to join Soul Passages: A Book Club and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Book Club.
As a member of Soul Passage, she attended annual retreats including African American Cultural tours in Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Baltimore. She was on a Southern Caribbean cruise with Soul Passages during the historic election of Barack Obama in 2008 and celebrated that event on ship with a blend of folks from multiple nations and languages.
As an energetic and committed member of the New Haven Alumnae of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. she traveled to a number of National Conventions and enjoyed photographing Delta activities. She created beautiful Delta photo books to preserve those activities. Dorna was an active member of Bethel AME and was a member of the Lillian B. Derrick Missionary Society and the Commission of Stewardship and Finance. She was a member of the Community Outreach Center, Board of Directors, and a contributor in obtaining the COC’s 501(c) 3 status. She was also was a member of the Board of Directors at The Children’s Center of Hamden.
Funeral services will be held Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. at Willow Oak AME Church, 213 South Main St., Rich Square, NC 27869. Interment will take place at Willow Oak AME Cemetery. The Delta Sigma Theta Omega Omega Service is scheduled for Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 255 Goffe St., New Haven, CT 06511 and is open to the public. A memorial service will be held afterward at 6 p.m. at the same same location.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers for the memorial service, contributions be made to the New Haven Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Foundation. Burial and Funeral flowers should be sent to Wilder Funeral Home, 921 South Main St., Rich Square, NC 27869 (252) 539‑2300
Local services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Stover family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com
