James Harold Dockery

On December 30, 1968, God lent the world a gift in the form of James Harold Dockery, lovingly known to many as “JD” or “Doc”, born in Texarkana, Arkansas, to Sammie Dean Dockery Johnson and Harold Leonard Martin, Sr. He was raised with love by his devoted mother, supported by his aunt Ludell Cooper (“Auntie”) and older cousin Donald Williams, who all helped shape the man he would become.

James anchored his soul in Christ at a young age and was baptized at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. Charles Brown. He attended Arkansas High School, where he played football with pride and remained a loyal Razorback fan. He was also a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, faithful, win or lose.

Starting work at just 15, James developed a strong work ethic that followed him all his life. He earned his CDL and spent much of his career as a truck driver, providing for his family with dedication and quiet strength.

In 2014, he stepped into spiritual leadership as an ordained Deacon at Tree Mount Temple Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Larry Thompson and later served at Calvary Baptist Church under Pastor Kevin Nelson as devoted Deacon with humility and heart.

In 2019, James married his beautiful and brilliant wife, Cerita, a true woman of God whose faith never wavered. With two children of her own, Nia and Kylan, they blended their families into one unit built on love, laughter, and mutual respect. Cerita brought warmth, wisdom, and unwavering belief into James’s life. Even in the face of uncertainty, when things looked grim, she held on to hope, trusting God’s plan with a strength that inspired so many around her. James admired and deeply loved her, not only for the partner she was to him, but for the woman she was in every way. Though their time together may not have felt long enough, the depth of their love and devotion can’t be measured in years. It was felt in every moment, every prayer, every sacrifice. Cerita took her vows to heart, in sickness and in health, she remained faithfully by his side. She was his comfort, his caregiver, his constant, and in the most sacred of moments, she was by his side when he took his final breath.

James loved family deeply. He traveled far and wide to be with loved ones and brought joy to every gathering. His love extended to siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who became family. A proud Mason and leader of Eastern Star sisters, he lived by the words: “Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes, I am.”

The heart of his legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, who adored him. He was their protector, provider, and constant encourager.

On July 20, 2025, though cancer touched his body, it never conquered his spirit. James claimed victory in eternity and entered into peace, embraced by his Savior.

He was preceded in death by Sammie Johnson (mother), Retha Lewis (bonus mother), LaTonya Martin (sister), Clara Randle (sister), Alvin Randle (brother), Dorothy Walker (sister), Melinda Bates (sister)

Those who will forever hold him in their hearts include: Wife, Cerita Dockery; Children: Mary Elizabeth Newsome, Bridney Grant, James Dockery Jr., Brandi Dockery Nelson, Javion Sutherland, Faith Sutherland-Dockery, and Gregory Dockery; bonus children Nia Reed and Kylan Reed; Brothers: Calvin Randle (Deborah), Willie Randle (Tanya), William Randle, Jera Lewis, Edward Lewis (LaDawn), Harold Martin, Jr., Harvey Martin, Michael Martin, Travis Martin. Sisters: Betty Michelle Lewis, Alesha Martin, April Martin, Keisha Martin; Doris Morine, Rose Randle, Carolyn Wilson (Elroy), Teressa Howard, Geneva Randle (Christopher), Bernette Newton (Gerald), Jeanette Caldwell (Broderick); 12 Grandsons and 7 Granddaughters; and a host of relatives and friends.