Doreleain was born on Monday, August 24, 1953, in the Lower East Side of Manhattan to the late Ulysses and Ruth Haggins. Doreleain was raised in a Christian family, and at an early age, she professed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and was baptized at Faith Baptist Church in NYC. Doreleain loved singing in the choir with her brothers and sisters. During her adolescence, Doreleain babysat for many children in her LES neighborhood. She graduated from Seward Park High School and shortly thereafter she enrolled into Manhattan Community College.

Doreleain started her professional career at the United States Post Office and HBO. Those opportunities led her to Verizon and after 35 years of service and dedication, she happily retired in 2010. Doreleain was also a proud union member of CWA11 and she wore her red on Thursdays. Doreleain had a big heart and would always advocate for others. While she worked at Verizon, many of her colleagues and supervisors constantly asked her to become their union advocate.

Doreleain met her late husband, Keith Ervin on the disco dance floor in the Spring of '78, and the two never stopped dancing. Keith courted Doreleain and he gave her the nickname "Baby Doll". They professed their love for one another and became united in Holy Matrimony on Valentine's Day 1984.

From this union one Sun and two Stars were born. Doreleain and her husband did a lot together, going to concerts, cultural events, hosted many family get-togethers, like cookouts, Karaoke or their famous Spades parties.

Doreleain loved her family very much. She kept special relationships with every single family member close to her heart. She cherished moments with her family at annual family reunions, family vacations and Sunday dinners.

She loved music, singing, dancing, but most of all, she loved celebrating Thanksgiving. She made the most delicious meals, and she would never let anyone go hungry. She loved traveling and attending the Black Film Festival with her BFF, Pam Benjamin.

She loved talking politics, and being involved in community boards, including her building's tenant association.

Doreleain loved fashion and was known for her elegant style. If you knew Doreleain, then you know she was a "mean shopper". Doreleain knew how to find all the great designs and brands at the bargain price.

Doreleain lived a very full life, full of love. Her bright, beautiful smile always filled any room she was in. Doreleain was a firm believer that "We are all here to help each other".

Doreleain loved her church and her church family. She was a lifelong member of Mariner's Temple Baptist church.

Our Heavenly Father called Mrs. Doreleain Haggins-Ervin home on Sunday January 1, 2023. She joins Heaven with her mother Ruth Haggins, Father Ulysses Haggins, brothers Marshall, William "Big Bill", Marvin, and two sisters Patricia and Paulette.

Doreleain leaves to cherish her memories:

Her loving children: one son Dante, her twin daughters, LaKesha and LaDawn, one baby sister Beatrice Williams, one brother-in-law Leon Williams, two granddaughters, JaNiya and Amelia, one grandson Isaiah, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, church family, neighbors, friends all of whom Doreleain truly loved.

Submitted with heavy hearts,

Dante, LaKesha LaDawn, and R. Beatrice