Obituary of Dorothy Marie Simons Bagby

Dorothy Marie Simons Bagby was one of eleven children born to Arthur and Christine Elliott Simons on February 5, 1925, in Norfolk Virginia. She passed away June 15, 2021, in Columbia, SC. She was a lifelong resident of Norfolk, Virginia.

She attended Norfolk Public Schools and Virginia Union University. She married Lawrence Bagby on October 15, 1942, and this union lasted for 64 years. She became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on March 6, 1971, along with her daughter in law and first bible student, Joyce Bagby. While in Norfolk, she faithfully attended the Central Congregation and in later years she moved to the Sunset Congregation in Columbia, South Carolina.

She never missed a month talking to family and friends about the hope of enjoying life on a Paradise earth. In fact, she would often say, “Jehovah promised me everlasting life on a Paradise earth and I am going to hold him to it!”

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Lawrence Bagby, Sr., and her son James. Left to cherish her memory are her three children, Clarence Bagby, Sr. of Chesapeake, VA; Lawrence Bagby, Jr. (Joyce) of Norfolk, VA; and Sandra Tyler (Ron) of Columbia, SC. Fourteen grandchildren, L’Tanya Banks (Roy) of Portsmouth, VA. Donyette Morris and Clarence Bagby, Jr. (Angela) of both of Norfolk, VA. L’mande Bagby of Augusta, GA. Russell Bagby (Delores) of Virginia Beach, VA, Lawrence Bagby III, Tina Brown (Edward) and Tracy Henson (Arthur) all of Norfolk, VA. Gweneen White (Melverne) of Portsmouth, VA. Janell Sabir of Newport News, VA. Theresa Pugh of Laurel, MD. James “Donnell” Askew, Breon Bagby and Tiffany Jones all of Norfolk, VA. She was great grandmother to 48 and great great grandmother to 44. She will be missed by her nieces, nephews, cousins, many dear friends, and spiritual children.

The Family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the continual consolation, love and support that is being received.

Family and friends may sign the online tribute wall at www.southcarolinacremation.com.