Early in the evening on October 29th, 2020, God sent an angel to bring His child home. Paula stepped into the realm of peace, free of all pain and worries.
Paula Allidees Harrison Dorm was the youngest of eight children born to the late Clayton Harrison, Sr. and Ethel Sue Simms Harrison on February 28th, 1960 in Washington, DC. Paula, affectionally known as “Shelda” and “Lulu,” graduated from McKinley High School in June of 1978. Paula attended Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, she later went on to marry Emory H. Dorm, from this union Sheldon D. Dorm and Ryan K. Dorm were born.
Paula’s career expanded over thirty seven years working in the Federal Government for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. During her tenure she worked for NMSS as an IT Specialist and later went onto advance her career as a Management Analyst in the Office of the Advisory Committee. During her years at the NRC she received numerous awards and accolades.
Paula’s love for travel and shopping was infectious and she did both passionately.
Her smile will forever be missed and laughter forever heard in the ears of those who loved her.
Paula is survived by her husband, Emory H. Dorm, two sons Sheldon and Ryan Dorm, and her grandson Ryleigh Dorm.
She leaves behind seven sibling Cheryl Smith, Brenda Harrison, Dawn Harrison, Andrea Bateman, Clayton Harrison, Jr., Jeffrey Harrison and Frederick Harrison, maternal aunt, Olivia Smith and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends at the Cunningham Turch Funeral Home, 811 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 10 – 11:30 AM
Services will be private. Burial will be at 2 PM at Fort Lincoln Cemetery. All are welcome to attend.
811 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
11/13/2020
10:00am - 11:30am
I was so sad to hear of Paula’s passing. When i think of Paula, I think of the first day I met her at the NRC. She was the IT Specialist for our office and I was new to that office and needed something IT-related and was told to reach out to her. She was extremely pleasant and helpful and after a few minutes of chatting, I felt like I had known her for years. I loved our early morning chats in the office and being able to confide in her or go over and talk to her if I needed to laugh. She had a terrific send of humor and could make me forget the stresses of the day, even if only for a short time. The other thing about Paula is she was my number 1 fan when it came to my crab dip. It got tot the point that if I needed her help with something IT-related, she would tell me I would have to make her some crab dip in order to get her help. She was joking but it got to the point that whenever I made it to bring into the office, I would make it in 2 dishes and give her one one of them just for her. I still think about her when I make it. May she rest in peace in God’s loving presence. My heart and prayers go out to her family.
I’m heartbroken 💔 on Paula’s passing. Nice and great friend and confidant. I’ll miss your infectious smile. RIP sweetie.
you will be definitely missed you will always be in my heart love 4 life
Speechless, lost and more importantly will never forget our journeys and the things done to impact my life and family. Much love forever Paula.
My sincerest condolences to your family. I was so sad to hear of her passing. I worked with Paula at NRC and she was my office next door neighbor for a few years. I will remember fondly her laughter, many conversations involving cutting up and much laughter. She will be missed. May she rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to “ Big Sis” Andrea and the rest of the Harrison and Dorm families . I haven’t seen Paula in years, but from the posts it doesn’t seem she changed much from the days we spent together from Woodridge elementary through McKinley high . Yes , a vivacious personality with an “ infectious laugh” Hold tight those memories and God’s everlasting arm. Missing a sibling is slow healing as I now experience, but it will come .
Sandra Hamilton Pagan
Dorm Family, send our condolences to Paula family! Paula and I were sister n laws, we talked about once a year, but each time we enjoyed our talks about FSU Homecoming. Paula we will truly miss you and may you RIP!
From The SHADD family: The news of Shelda’s passing was unthinkable for us. Our memories from South Dakota Avenue of the little girl cutting through the neighbor’s backyard (we all did) from her house to ours stays with us. We will forever be impacted by her warm smile. She is a treasure to us and to many. May God who knows all things continue to comfort you with the assurance that she is resting in his arms. And may you always embrace the memories of a life well lived. We are here for you. Love to you all. Your other Sister and brother, Angela and Warren
My condolrnces to the family. I worked with Paula and remember the Happy Hours we shared together eating clam casinos and drinking stingers. How she was there for me during hard times after my family died. She will always be a happy memory of good times at NRC
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Her loving spirit and warm personality will always be remembered. May you find comfort in the precious memories you have of her.
I was so sorry to hear about Paula’s passing. I interacted with Paula for more than 30 years while working at NRC. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family.
We would like to send our prayers to the Dorm Family for their loss of Paula Dorm.
To the entire family,
You have our deepest condolences and love during this challenging time!
Our family will continue to keep all of you in our prayers ,
Sincerely your cousins in Philadelphia,
Halimah, Taalibah, Zubaidah, and Karyn (Jakes family )
I am going yo miss her dearly!!!!
Family, The bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through, it’s like having a broken leg that doesn’t heal perfectly-that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp. Peace be still.
Blessings
Chris
My condolences go out to family and friends. Paula was a coworkers and a great friend. I will miss her dearly. Lean on Jesus unchanging hand. For he will see you through. May god bless you and keep you. We have another Angel to watch over us. Stay strong in Jesus.
My sincere condolence to the family. I was in utter shock to learn of her passing and it’s still a very hard pill to swallow. Paula was a sweet sweet soul that will be immensely missed. Her laughter was so infectious and her presence was magnetic; people were really drawn to Paula and enjoyed her company. I remember how her and I would have these laughing spasm at work and laugh so hard until we were both crying. I’m really going to miss those fun times with her. Paula’s beautiful spirit will continue to live on in all of us. Praying for the family that the Lord comfort your hearts, calm your spirts and bring you peace during this time.
My heartfelt condolences to Ms. Dorm family and friends. May God continue to bless them with mercy and grace.
Sincere Condolences …May the memories always light the corners of your mind.
From the Hairston Family, Formerly of Woodridge Neigborhood & McKinley Tech H.S.
Dear Family, Paula was a very dear friend to me. A kind and generous person who was never above helping someone in need. I will miss her earthly self but know that she is at peace with God. I pray that God’s peace and love cover you during this time
You are all in my prayers. Love you Paula. Always.
Sending positive thoughts, prayers and love your way.
Dorm Family,
On behalf of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards, we send our thoughts and prayers. Our dear Paula or as we called her “Pause” will be sorely missed. We share in your hurt and know the feeling of emptiness right now. However, we find comfort that God knows best and now she is resting well. May your hearts be sealed with peace and the loving memories you made with her. With our deepest sympathy and love,
ACRS
I love you T’auntie Shelda, I don’t know what I’m going to do without you here with.