Dorlene Rockingham

Dorlene Rockingham was born on April 16, 1959, at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Rufus Rockingham Sr. and Willie Pearl Rockingham. As the seventh daughter and the eighth of nine Rockingham siblings, she was deeply cherished from the very beginning. Dorlene graduated from Pemberton High School in Pemberton, NJ, and soon after, she embarked on a successful career in banking. Her natural gift for finance was evident- she had a remarkable ability to turn even the smallest sum into something meaningful and lasting. Beyond her professional achievements, Dorlene's heart and soul thrived in creativity. She had a magic touch in the kitchen- able to transform the simplest ingredients into unforgettable meals. Her desserts, especially her boxed cake mix creations, were legendary, leaving family and friends in awe of her next- level cooking skills. Her talents extended far beyond the kitchen; she was a gifted artist in braiding hairstyles, macrame, and crochet, each piece a testament to her patience and artistry. Dorlene's life was defined by love-love for her family, love for creativity, and love for those around her. She was preceded in death by her parents and three beloved sisters-Patricia Rockingham-Kearse, Beverly Rockingham, and Linda Rockingham. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and creativity, carried on by the love of her life, Edward Chalk; her devoted children, Larshinna Rockingham and Delante Donald; and her 14 cherished grandchildren. Her memory also lives on in the hearts of her siblings-Rufus Rockingham Jr., Pamela Rockingham, Zelena Rockingham, Denise Green, and Wilonda Short-as well as three generations of nieces, nephews, and an extended family of loved ones and friends who will forever hold her close. Dorlene's warmth, wisdom, and vibrant spirit will be missed, but the joy she brought into the world will never fade. Her love was a light, and though she is no longer here in body, her presence will be felt in every story shared, every meal prepared with love, and every creative touch passed down through the generations. She was one of a kind, and she will never be forgotten. Memorial Service will be 1:00pm Friday, February 28, 2025 in the chapel of Ray Funeral & Cremation Service. The service will be live streamed here on the website. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Dorlene Rockingham, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.