Mrs. Doris Storms "Dot" Oliver, age 89, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family and friends, on Friday, November 21, 2025. The eldest of nine children, she was born in Bladen County, NC, on December 13, 1935. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elijah Conley Storms and Martha Annie Butler Storms; her siblings, James McCray Storms, Jimmy Storms, and Millard Storms, Sr.; and her loving husband, Lawrence H. "Sonny" Oliver, Sr.

Dot and Sonny fell in love and were married on January 10, 1960. They raised four children: Christopher Lawrence Oliver (Scarlett) of Lumberton; Pamela Oliver Thornton (Will) of Wilmington; Brooks Holmes Oliver (Nicohl) of Lumberton; and Richard Donovan Oliver (Ashley) of Lumberton. She also leaves behind one step-son, Lawrence Holmes Oliver, Jr. (Janet).

Dot's surviving siblings are Hilda Lanier of Clarkton; Barbara Hungerford (Charles) of Bladenboro; Sedford Storms of Lumberton; and Willard Storms (Faye) and Billy Storms (Pat), both of Bladenboro. She has eleven grandchildren, Matthew Britt Oliver (Kristie), Caitlin Michelle Oliver, Madison Blair Cox (Jordan), Meredith Oliver Avrette (Zachary), Jesse Brooks Oliver (Madeline), Avery Wayne Oliver, Christin Lauren Oliver, Olivia Storms Oliver, Hilary Jane Oliver, Christopher Cole Oliver, and Bromley Oliver Thornton and great-grandchildren Kaden Rylee Turner, Waylynn Jordan Oliver, Jesse Brooks Oliver, Camden Rhett Oliver, and Adelaide Eve Oliver.

Close to her heart were additional family members and special caregivers: Wilma Dell Storms Smith, Susan Moseley, Elizabeth Freeman, Catherine McPhail, Vann Morgan, and Mary Young, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Dot graduated in 1955 from Bladenboro High School, where she participated in FHA, Glee Club, Drama, and Basketball. She was voted "Best Looking" in her senior class and was crowned Miss Bladen County in 1954 and Miss North Carolina Strawberry Festival Queen in 1955, honors that reflected not only her beauty but also her gentle and gracious spirit.

In her forties, Dot discovered a love for church softball. She quickly became known as a skilled and dependable pitcher who rarely missed a game. She put away her bat and glove the summer before she turned 60.

Throughout her life, Dot worked faithfully alongside her husband as they opened and operated their first family businesses, Sun-Do Kwik Shops in 1978, and Oliver Oil Company in 1979. Dot and Sonny dedicated many years to serving their community together. She was a loving and supportive wife and mother and a steadying presence for her family. Those who knew her will remember her strong work ethic, quiet strength, quick wit, and the kindness she showed to all she met.

A time of visitation with family and friends will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 1:00–2:00 PM at Long Branch Baptist Church in Lumberton. A memorial service celebrating Dot life will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastors Robert Peltz and George Connor officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Faith Cemetery in Lumberton.

Flowers are welcome, but in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Long Branch Baptist Church, 8878 NC Hwy 72, Lumberton, NC 28358, or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1100 Pine Run Drive, Lumberton, NC 28358.

Dot will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, beauty, and living life to the fullest will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.