Dorothy was born on December 2, 1956, in Jasper, Florida to the parents of Mary Lou Silas and James David Warren. Her maternal grandmother Lula Bee Ponds raised Dorothy in a loving Christian home. During these years, she was introduced to Jesus and often attended church.

Dorothy attended the public schools of Hamilton County. She graduated from Hamilton County High School class of 1975. While in school she proudly served as a member of the Future Homemakers Association. At the age of 14 years old, she was introduced to Mother Lula McMillan as she was in Jasper doing mission work.

Dorothy began attending church at St. Paul House of Prayer in Jennings, Florida under the leadership of District Evangelist Willie Daniels and General Church Mother Queen Ester Daniels. In 1971, at the age of 14 years old, she joined St. Paul House of Prayer. A few years later she became a Jr. Missionary. Shortly after, she moved to live with Mother Lula McMillan. Dorothy cared for Mother Lula McMillan until the Lord called her home. Mother Lula McMillan introduced Dorothy to Mrs. Virginia Chandler who helped raise Amy, Trey, Ginny, and Jessica Chandler. "Darf" as they called her, became a part of the Chandler family as she spent many days with their family.

Dorothy then went on to work for Stephanie Gift's for 32 years with the owner Willene Drury. Dorothy and Willene became family during this time. Dorothy worked as a substitute teacher for Hamilton County School District at the Elementary school in Jasper, Florida. Her last job was working as the Activities Assistant to Mrs. Kimberly Williamson at the Suwannee Valley Nursing Center in Jasper, Florida. She loved the residences and staff of the nursing home dearly.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her niece Brittany Rivers, Grandmother Lula Bee Ponds, Brothers Theo Rivers, Jr. Herbert Lee Rivers, Earnest Rivers, Anthony Rivers, and her aunt Jessie Mae O'Neal.

Dorothy leaves to mourn her passing, her mother, Mary Lou Cooper, and her sisters Jo Ann Rivers of Jasper, Florida. Karon Rivers of Atlanta, Georgia, Grand-niece Jayda and Jaylon Rivers of Live Oak, Florida. She leaves behind her siblings James Jr. Warren, Mary Warren Howes, Ronnie Warren, Terrell Warren, Margaret Warren Ownes, Elizabeth Warren, Richard Warren, Virginia Warren, Micheal Warren, Barbra Warren, and Gloria Jean Simmons (deceased). She also leaves behind her god-daughter Jasmine Williams and her godson John Williams, Jr., her church family, and a host of beloved family and friends.