On Friday, December 28, 2018, Reverend Dorothy Rae Irving peacefully departed this world and entered heaven for her eternal rest in the arms of the Lord.

Dorothy Rae (Banks) Irving was born May 28, 1939 in Miami, FL to the late Samuel and Nora Hamm Banks. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Robert Lee Irving, Sr. and four siblings, Theodore (Teddy) Banks, Samuel Banks, Jr., Janie Banks Cherry, and Freddie Banks. Dorothy grew up in the city of Chesapeake (South Norfolk area), VA. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School "Class of 57" and attended Norfolk Division of Virginia State College (now Norfolk State University).She attended business and interior design schools while serving abroad, in Europe with her military husband. She was as a Financial Planner and Mortgage Loan Director until her early retirement. She loved gardening, was an avid reader, eager student and a passionate teacher.

A wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she was dedicated and fiercely devoted to her family and her church. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Campostella, and served in many leadership roles to include, Trustee, Deaconess, Christian Education Board & Sunday School Chairperson. She served as Baptist General Convention of VA Secretary and Administrator for several years. In 1994 she was called to be a servant in the ministry to preach and teach God's Word, which she did powerfully, emphatically and unapologetically. She began her ministerial and pastoral work after completion of seminary studies at Samuel D. Proctor, School of Theology, Virginia Union University. She believed and followed 2 Timothy 2:15, Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (KJV). In her service to the Lord, her Church and her family, she never wavered or retreated.

She faithfully served as Adult Bible Study and Sunday School teacher and Assistant Pastor to the late Reverend Harold Cason, Sr., for many years. She was dedicated to the support of the ministry in many ways to include counseling and support to all who sought her wisdom and help. All who knew her understood, "Reverend Irving will tell it to you straight!" based on the Word of God.

Left to cherish her memory are her two children, daughter Ava Benson (Keith) of Chesapeake, VA; son Robert Irving, Jr. (Yvette) of Richmond, VA; four grandsons Keith Benson, Jr. (Brittany), Kevin Benson, Robert Irving, III, (JaNay), Nathaniel Irving, two beautiful great grand-daughters Autumn Marie Benson and Aubrey Jordyn Irving and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

May she be remembered as a woman of wisdom and true servant of God.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 am on Friday, January 4, 2019 at First Baptist Church Campostella, 1510 Conoga Street, Norfolk. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing/Visitation with family  will be held Thursday, January 3, 2019 from 5pm until 7pm at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake.