JoAnn Dorsey was born February 5, 1955, in Camden, New Jersey, to John Collins Sr. and Mary Rogers. As a child, JoAnn was educated in the Camden City school system and graduated from Camden High School. On May 6, 1972, JoAnn married her childhood friend and the love of her life, James William Dorsey Sr. They were blessed with three beautiful children: James William Dorsey Jr., Trena Shaley Alexander, and Tashana Sharie Dorsey.

JoAnn enjoyed learning various skills and trades. She continued her education, obtaining certifications in nursing, key punching, accounting, and banking. She served as a manager in banking and finance for 23 years. After her years in banking, she worked in the health field for 16 years, including 12 as a mental health professional at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital. After retiring from Ancora, she enjoyed her time educating children as a teacher’s assistant in the Pine Hill elementary school district. She also blessed many hearts by volunteering her crocheting skills to make hats and scarves for patients at Samaritan Hospice.

JoAnn was affectionately known to her family and friends as “Jo Baby” and “Mama Jo”. She was full of life and had a big heart for loving others. JoAnn was a nurturing woman who loved spending time with her family, whether they were biological or chosen by love. Her natural gift of encouragement was a blessing to her family and friends. JoAnn was a child of God. She gave her life to Christ at a young age. She enjoyed attending church every Sunday to hear the Word of God. JoAnn loved to speak daily about how good God is.

JoAnn went home to be with the Lord peacefully on November 20, 2025, lovingly surrounded by her family. She is preceded in death by her husband, James Dorsey Sr., her father, John Collins Sr., and her mother, Mary Rogers. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, James Jr., Trena, and Tashana. Grandchildren: Chandalear, Keasia, Caleb, Trinity, Ja’Mya, and James III. Great-grandchildren: Chandler, Ka’Liah, Chance, Chase, and Kadir. Siblings: Jessie Wescott (Thomas), John Collins Jr. (Barbara), Lowenia Carstarphen (Timothy), David Collins (Penny), Barbara Eley (John), Joyce Collins, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She will forever be in our hearts.