Esther Jean Dorey, sweet, caring soul

Esther Jean Dorey, 86, of Millsboro, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022.  

She was born April 27, 1936, in Farmington, to the late Roland and Sarah Hopkins Ellers. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by three siblings, Irma Ellers, Shirley Downs and Roger Ellers. 

Esther was a graduate of Harrington High School Class of 1955 and was active in the alumni gatherings with her classmates. She married John Reese Dorey, the love of her life, March 4, 1956. They shared 66 years together and were blessed with four daughters. She was employed by Acme Markets, where she worked in the Laurel, Selbyville and Berlin stores. Esther attended Roxana United Methodist Church and was a member of  Carey’s Methodist Church. She taught Sunday school at both churches. She loved to welcome visitors to her home and would always offer to feed them while they were visiting. Esther will be remembered as a sweet, kind, warm, and caring person. She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt, mom-mom and friend. Esther will be dearly missed by many. 

She is survived by her husband, John Reese Dorey of Millsboro; four daughters, Karen (Richard) Mihalik of Georgetown, Jane (Tom) Lane of Magnolia, Sandra (Keith) Doughty of Georgetown, and Lesia (Dean) Jones of Georgetown; two brothers, Kenneth (Sue) Ellers and Roland Lee (Marilyn) Ellers; a brother-in-law, James Downs; and a sister-in-law Nancy Ellers. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  

A funeral service was held Thursday, Oct. 20, at Watson Funeral Home. Interment was at Millsboro Cemetery.

Donations can be made in Esther’s memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE  19963.

Electronic condolences via watsonfh.com.