01/17/1944 - 06/11/2019
Dorinda Givens, 75, passed away on June 11, 2019 in Stockton, CA after a courageous battle with cancer. She was in her home and surrounded by her family, along with her husband of 44 years, Emmitt Walter Givens. Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, she was the daughter of Donald Woodrow and Dorothy Jo Jacobs. She graduated from Lincoln High School and, while she held various jobs over the years, she completed her career with Central Sales and Leasing. She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Dorothy, her sister, Donalee Derry, and her daughter, Patricia Givens.
Dorinda is survived by her husband, Walt Givens, her children, Kevin Vallem (Tracie), Michele Pettersen (Scott), Emily Alamillo and Paula Givens (Brook), her sister, Diana Starr (Jack) and countless other family members who loved her dearly, as she did them. Dorinda’s greatest joy and accomplishment in life was her family. Over the years, her home was always filled with the laughter and love of her 5 children, 3 bonus children, 13 grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
In one of her last journal entries, she wrote, “My journey is almost complete. I am homeward bound. The love of my family has helped me through. I’ve smiled, I’ve laughed and I’ve cried. My heart is full of love for all. I pray you’ll remember me.’
Her family extends great love and gratitude to Nurse Annika, Nurse Wayne and Home Health Aid, Jazmin, for their incredibly loving and respectful care of her over the last year. A private celebration of life will take place with family and close friends.
In memory of Dorinda and in support of the organizations she held dear to her heart and who supported her thru her journey, donations may be made to: VITAS Healthcare, Hospice Services, www.vitas.com or 925.930.9373
VITAS Community Connection helps families and friends honor a loved one’s life in a very local way, by donating to local VITAS hospice patients in need and supporting the mission of partners important to the community. Your donation may buy groceries, pay a utility bill or help a family member travel to see a dying loved one. They support the needs beyond patient care; no medical bills or funeral expenses are paid. VITAS Community Connection also extends support to community partners: local non-profit foundations and organizations that share their mission of assisting patients in need.
WFJ - Warriors for Jesus, Kevin Vallem, Vice President, https://www.facebook.com/warriorsforjesusstockton/ or The Cross, 641 N. Anteros Avenue, Stockton, CA 95215
The Warriors for Jesus Motorcycle Ministry believes that the best way to help end the cycle of poverty, crime and substance abuse is to take a proactive approach to outreach. They provide a number of free services within their local communities, including a Youth Night, where local children are provided with a hot meal, safe activities and are introduced to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They regularly go into the community and feed the homeless, providing them with clothing and packages containing basic hygienic necessities. In addition, they partner with Bread of Life and the Fellowship Church Community to provide free groceries to impoverished families. They also minister at several recovery programs throughout the county and operate two vans providing free transportation to and from church services.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Givens family.
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