Vesta Annette Price's Obituary
“Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23) Vesta Annette Dorsey Price was born on Thursday, February 20, 1964, to the late Gilbert Sr. and Dolores Dorsey, in Annapolis, Maryland. Vesta quietly departed this earthly life on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at the Hospice of the Chesapeake, after fighting a battle against cancer. Vesta was surrounded by her two brothers, Gilbert, Jr. and Dennis Dorsey, when the Lord called her home for eternal rest.
Vesta accepted the Lord as her Savior during her childhood at her home church, Wilson Memorial United Methodist Church, in Gambrills, Maryland, where she worshipped with her immediate family and extended family members. Vesta was an active member from childhood until her health declined. During her youth, Vesta sang on the Wilson Youth Choir and served on the Junior Usher Board. Vesta was an active member of the United Methodist Women, Women of Wilson, and served on the Finance Committee. She was Chairperson of the Staff Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, and President of the Historical Committee. Vesta loved the Youth Ministry and supported them (as well as neighboring children) by gifting school supplies for the Back-to-School Drive. She chaperoned the youths’ attendance at “The Rock,” the annual youth retreat, in Ocean City, Maryland. Whenever ministers called for testimonies, Vesta faithfully stood, gave praise and a fervent prayer. When Vesta’s mobility declined, she remained a steadfast parishioner by dropping off food, supplies and monetary donations. She also telephoned and encouraged people to attend the church’s food distribution program. Vesta wanted her friends and coworkers to worship with her. Her invitations to church always ended with “You better show up too.” On Sunday, October 1, 2023, Vesta attended church, via Zoom, and participated by typing her praise and thanksgiving into the chat. Vesta also loved listening to Gospel music.
Vesta graduated from Arundel High School, with the Class of 1982. Vesta was in the Marching Band as a Color Guard and was also the Guard Captain. Family, friends, and the student body have fond memories of seeing Vesta march across the football field, wearing the cheerleader-style uniform and white boots, as she expertly twirled the green and white color-guard flags. Vesta informed her teen friends that her summers were booked because “I’m going to Band Camp.” Vesta was part of a close-knit trio called “The Three Musketeers,” in which she, Lauren Jones, and Manita Mitchell were inseparable. Arundel selected Vesta for the cover of the 1982 yearbook supplement edition and showcased her in her graduation gown and holding her Diploma. During her teen years, and after graduation, she worked at the Crofton McDonalds, and was gradually promoted to Assistant Manager. Every night, a certain gentleman came to the counter and purchased small food items. After he made far too many visits, Vesta asked him “Why do you keep coming in here?” He nervously told her that he was coming to see her. That gentleman, Mr. Stewart Price, would become Vesta’s husband of nearly 10 years, until his untimely passing. Stewart proposed to Vesta on the Henson Family estate in Waterbury, Maryland. The couple lived in Atlanta for a few years until his company transferred him back to Maryland.
Vesta’s last employment was with The Arc, as a Nursing Care Professional for adults with intellectual and developmental challenges. Vesta was promoted to Residential House Manager. Vesta truly loved all the residents. And the residents truly loved her. She made sure the residents had great life experiences, shopping and dining out, all with Vesta at the helm driving them about town in the passenger van. Vesta also took her residents to church with her. She was very fond of two residents--Mary Beth and Bob. Each of their passing was an emotional time for her. The families of the residents showed their appreciation through vacations and gifts.
Vesta loved her family. She loved her two brothers, Gilbert and Dennis, who she cared deeply for and for their well-being. Being an aunt to Donovan and Danielle Dorsey was a joy in her life. She beamed with joy when they said “Hi, Aunt Vesta.” She enjoyed spending time with family on the Henson’s homestead, and with the Howard Family on Shorter Road. She truly loved all her cousins. Her female cousins became her sisters, and she had fun and amusement with her male cousins.
In the Earth, Wind and Fire song “That’s the Way of the World,” a stanza reads “…a child is born with a heart of gold.” This captures the very essence of Vesta, for she truly was a child born with a heart of gold. Vesta always remembered everyone’s birthday and was the first person to telephone with Happy Birthday, Happy Thanksgiving, and Merry Christmas. Her phone calls often arrived at the crack of dawn. Vesta’s Facebook page is stocked-full of birthday greetings and memorial messages.
Vesta had a one-of-kind personality, starting with her name. Vesta never met a stranger for they all would become her friend. She had a warm smile and sweet laugh. Vesta spoke the truth; always saying what needed to be said. She did not waver in her opinions or beliefs. When Vesta thought someone was being outrageous in speech or action, she would say “You just need to go somewhere and sit down.” Her other expressions were “You better believe it.” and “I’m here to tell ‘ya.”
Vesta appreciated the love and support everyone showed her during her life. As her health declined, she graciously appreciated the nursing care provided by her God-daughter, Jackie Queen. Additionally, she greatly appreciated the business and medical care oversight responsibilities undertaken by Yvonne Oliver. Vesta treasured their devotion for it eased her health journey. When Vesta did not want to listen to instructions, Yvonne called for stronger reinforcement, to which Vesta would state “Don’t call Sharon Teresa Owens.”
Vesta is pre-deceased by her husband, Stewart Price; her parents, Gilbert Sr. and Dolores Dorsey; grandparents; a host of aunts and uncles; cousin, Barbara Jean Goddard; God-son, Ronald “Budda” Spriggs; and close friend, Andrea Turner.
Vesta leaves to cherish her memories: her brothers, Gilbert Dorsey, Jr.; Dennis and Crystal Lee Dorsey; her nephew and niece, Donovan and Danielle Dorsey; her aunts, Clara Barnes, Rosielee Brown, Mildred Henson, Catherene Hodges, and Nancy Wren; God-children, Jackie Queen, Makenzie Mitchell, and Tia Simms; loving friend, Jeff “Jet” Feagins; her Wilson Memorial Church family; Darlene Harris; close friend, Peggy Butler; Derrick Owens, and Tonya Dorsey. Vesta also had a vast circle of close-knit friends of nearly 60 years, all dating back to elementary school, Cynthia Adams, Troy Boone, Joan Conway, Ernest Grey, Jr., Earl Jenkins,
Lauren Jones, Pam Lewis, Terry Marshall, Manita Mitchell, Donna Moore, Kenneth Moore, Carolyn Simms, and Marlisa Smith; and a host of relatives, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.
What’s your fondest memory of Vesta?
What’s a lesson you learned from Vesta?
Share a story where Vesta's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Vesta you’ll never forget.
How did Vesta make you smile?