Dorothy Virginia Ryder

DOROTHY’S JOURNEY Dorothy Virginia Ryder peacefully departed this life on October 14, 2024 after 99 years and 9 months of spreading love and joy on this earth. She was born to the late James Reid and Eula Burton Reid on January 23, 1925 in Salisbury Maryland. She met and married the late Oliver Lawrence Ryder and to this union seven children were born. Dorothy found God early in life, learning and growing in her faith at First Baptist Church. She was educated in the Wicomico County Public School System. Later she was employed at Sunshine Laundry and Purity Bacon until her retirement. After retirement, she proudly served as part of the SHORE UP! Inc. Foster Grandparent Program, where she spent many hours reading to and spending time with special needs children at the Holly Center. For many years she was a staple at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club where she could be seen cheering on her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and neighborhood children in many sporting events. Affectionately and lovingly called Mom, Granny, Sister, Aunt Sissy, Aunt Dorothy, Ms. Dorothy or Ms. Ryder, she would not hesitate to take in a stray person or animal and make them part of her family. She would give her last, sharing love, food, her home, or words of wisdom and encouragement to anyone who needed it. Dorothy loved her kids, family, and sports, especially football. She was passionate about the Baltimore Ravens, Kobe Bryant, and if you messed with her grandkids, there would be a price to pay. She graced us with her bubbly personality, witty sense of humor, glowing smile and all the love she could give for nearly 100 years. We were truly blessed to have her in our lives. Dorothy was a special breed - a matriarch who was "cherished by many and loved by all." Dorothy leaves to cherish fond memories: one daughter, Sharon Banks (Vincent); three sons, Earl Tyrone Ryder, Kevin Ryder and Bryan Ryder (Annie); 16 grandchildren, notably Michael Ryder and Rufus Ryder; a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law, Mary Miles and Alice Morris; a special niece, Wanda Clinkscale and a host of family members she picked up along the way. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by: three sons, Lawrence "Spanky" Ryder, Charles Anthony Ryder and Vincent "Puntney" Ryder; one sister, Mable Hoy; three brothers, James Reid, William Reid and Edwin "Baby" Reid; one foster brother, Junior Kimble; two grandchildren, Saunders Vincent Banks, Jr. and Sherri Banks-Thomas, and a special niece, Regina Badger. LOVINGLY SUBMITTED ~ THE FAMILY

Dorothy Virginia Ryder

January 23, 1925 - October 14, 2024