Jeryll O'Teria Dortch Mitchell, affectionally called "Teria" by family and "OT" by colleagues and classmates, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

 

Born on January 6, 1992, to Jerry Dortch and Tarama Gardner, O'Teria has lived with purpose, passion, and dedication to her faith, family, and community.

 

A 2010 graduate of Eastern Wayne High School, she was a proud member of the Lady Warriors Basketball Team and the Marching Warriors Drumline. She also mentored and coached for Goldsboro's "A Drummer's World" Drumline. O'Teria attended South Carolina State University, where she was apart of the marching band, before continuing at Wayne Community College. There, she earned degrees in Business Administration and IT Support, along with a Marketing Certificate, earning honors on the President's and Dean's Lists and induction into Phi Theta Kappa.

 

Her career showcased her dedication and perseverance, starting as an employee at Cricket Wireless and advancing to Store Manager, District Manager, and eventually Regional Director.

 

O'Teria expressed her soul through poetry and spoken word, sharing her gift with the world. In 2022, she published Melodic Visions, touching hearts through community gatherings and church services.

 

She committed to Christ at a young age at First African Baptist Church and remained devoted throughout her journey. She worshipped at New Spirit Ministries and Eastern Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, serving in the youth choir and as an usher. She continued to serve at Word of Truth Ministries as a choir member and Special Events Committee Member.

 

In June 2019, O'Teria married Elder Jerome Mitchell, her love and partner in faith. Their marriage was built on love, respect, and shared devotion to God, family, and service.

 

O'Teria was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Jimmie Dawson and Eldress Mildred Ross; and paternal grandparents, Charles A. Dortch, Sr., and Beatrice Silver Dortch. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her devoted husband, Elder Jerome Mitchell; her parents, Jerry and Felicia Dortch, and Tarama and Adrian Gardner; her siblings, Latiqua Dortch, Tamiya Dortch, and Ryan and Shezada Holland; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Michael and Janice Fletcher, Darnell and Tabitha Jones; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family and special friends who will cherish her memory forever.

 

Viewing will be Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 4 until 6 p.m. at Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.  Homegoing service will be held Friday, February 14, 2025 at noon at Bear Creek Missionary Baptist Association Headquarters in Goldsboro with burial to follow at Wayne Memorial Park in Dudley.

 

Professional services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.