August 23, 2026 – April 23, 2026 A
Birdes Welch Dozier Birdes Welch Dozier
His wings were ready though our hearts were not.
Order of Worship
Musical Prelude..................................................................Musician
Processional...........................................Clergy, Family, and Friends
Opening Selection...................................................................................
Scripture Reading
Old Testament..........................................................................................Pastor John C. Smith
New Weeping Mary Missionary Baptist Church, Chesapeake, VA
New Testament.........................................................................................Pastor Jerome Barber
Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, Hampton, VA
Prayer of Comfort...........................................................................................Elder LaSaun Dozier
Reflections..........................................................................................
Family – Mr. Charlie Dozier
Colleague – Mr. Jeff Cole
Cycling Club – Mr. Henry Beamon
Bowling League – Mr. Sean Jones
Friend – Mr. Israel Akinkoye
Silent Reading of the Obituary Photo Montage “EXCEPTIONAL” by Babyface
Acknowledgments.................................................................................Deaconess Aletheia Gardner
The Life & Legacy of Birdes Welch Dozier Birdes Welch Dozier
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the Lord welcomed Birdes Welch Dozier home to Eternal Rest. His wings were ready, though our hearts were not. Columbus M. Dozier, Jr. and Lillian A. Dozier celebrated the birth of their son, Birdes, on August 23, 1966, in Norfolk, Virginia.
Birdes was a graduate of Indian River High School, Chesapeake, VA, and attended Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA. He was baptized at Little Mount Zion Pentecostal Holiness Church, Chatham, VA. As a former member of New Weeping Mary Baptist Church, Chesapeake, VA, where he faithfully served as a Media Technician, Sunday School student, superintendent, Bible study student, and Trustee. He was a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Newport News, VA. Birdes was a dedicated contributor to the Electrical Supply industry for over 40 years, having worked for Electrical Suppliers, Rexel, and, more recently, as Branch Manager of City Electric Supply, Chesapeake, VA. He thoroughly enjoyed his bowling league (Looney Tunes), cycling groups (Youthful Energetic Seniors/YES, the Swamp Peddlers Cyclist, Kings Rule Together/KRT, colleagues, customers, family, friends, and the amazing times they shared. Birdes always found strength and never complained…he was “easy like Sunday morning”. He truly embodied the fruits of the spirit-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He never met a stranger who, over time, did not end up being a good, trusted friend. Brides had a wide smile and a heart that exudes unconditional love to all. He understood Jesus’ greatest commandments to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself. The life he led until God called him home was a testament to both. He was humble and grateful for the life he built, memories created, and shared with his wife of 28 years, Cheryl. The love they shared was truly EXCEPTIONAL.
Birdes was predeceased in Eternal Rest by his parents and brother, Harold Anderson. His memories and welcoming Spirit will continue to be cherished in the hearts of His loved ones, Wife, Cheryl A. Dozier: Brothers, Frank Anderson (Tia) and Lewis Mark Dozier (LaSaun); Uncles, CB Anderson (Gloria), Charlie Dozier, Kevin Dozier, Bobby Simons, Joseph Wright (Kay), Charles Wood (Sarah); Aunts, Jamella Brown, Carolyn Mann and Lillie Mann; Sister-in-laws, Anna Knight, D. Knight, and Lynell Anderson; Nieces and Nephews, Terrance Anderson, Stephen Anderson (Alexis), Anthony Anderson, Joshua Anderson, Alicia Anderson, Taurean Lloyd, Kimberly Council (Ryan), Lauren Morales, Christian Morales, Ke and a host of loving family and friends.
HOLD ON: GOD'S IN CONTROL
Somethingsthathappencausesuchpain, Theymakenoearthlysense. IfnotforGodtoholdusup, They'dshakeourconfidence. ButHeiseverincontrol, Throughbadthingsandthegood. Andsomehow,HewillseetoitThingsworkoutastheyshould.
Andso,forthosewhoknowHisgrace, Holdon-throughallthetears. Bestrong,bereassuredinHim, ForHeisevernear. Thisawfulthingwhichbreakstheheart, Andhurtsonetothecore, Godwillavenge.He'sincontrol. He'llmend,andHe'llrestore.
God'sincontrol:Holdtothatthought. Don'tlettherebeonedoubt, ForHewillbringsomegoodfromthis, You'llsee.He'llworkitout. Juststayinprayer.AskforHisstrength. LeanonHispreciousgrace.
JustToTrustHim
Godchoosesusforburdens, Some,whicharehardtobear. Somehavesuchpainandheartache, Andaheavyloadofcare. ButwehavejusttotrustHim, Tofeelourfaithgrowstrong, Andrestwellintheknowledge, Goddoesnotleaduswrong.
Heknowseachhillandvalley; Eachmountainofdespair. Hedoesnotletustravel, UnlessHisgraceisthere. Hetakestheweightedshoulders That'spresstowardtheground, Andliftsthemupmuchhigher Withfaiththat'sstrongandsound
Godisthemercy-giver; TheveryStaffofLife, Whoseall-sufficientblessings Willlightencaresandstrife. WehavebutjusttotrustHim, AndliftHisHolyname. ForHewhoknowsoursorrows, Willhelpusbearthepain.
“Birdes's presence was a Godsend, and though Heaven has gained an Earthly Angel, we are assured Birdes Welch Dozier's peaceful transition provided him comfort knowing he'd be in the presence of God. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. (2 Cor 5:8).”
Floral Bearers
Immediate family and traveling guests, please join us for repast following the services in the church gymnasium.
The Dozier/Anderson families extend their heartfelt appreciation for the acts of kindness and support during the loss of our Beloved Birdes Welch Dozier. It has been a comforting blessing to each of us. Please continue to keep the Dozier/Anderson families in prayer.