MARIAN DOZIER: It’s not a funeral, it’s not a memorial, it’s a party in honor of the late journalist. PHOTO COURTESY OF RENEE DOZIER

West Palm Beach – Renee Dozier, sibling of late journalist Marian Denise Dozier says her younger sister would’ve wanted people to celebrate with a party, honoring her life.

So Renee Dozier is doing just that – throwing a party in honor of the vibrant life Marian lived.

The accomplished journalist succumbed to extended illness on Dec. 7, 2024. She was 61 years old.

“My sister was the life of the party and so I felt a desire to throw her a party just as she lived,” said Renee Dozier.

The event is set for Sunday, Jan. 26, 2 – 8 p.m., at the 88 Palms Hotel and Event Center, 1901 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach,

Everyone is asked to wear bright, vibrant colors, as Marian often did, and adorn themselves with flowers, which Marian loved, in their hair or on their outfits. There will be food, fun, music and dancing and a brief program. People may come and go as they please, and there will be an official program between 3 – 3:30 p.m.

Marian Dozier is survived by her father, Nelson Dozier of West Palm Beach, the founding president and owner of Dozier Electrical Company. Over the decades, his company has been known to send many young people to college.

She is also survived by her mother, Jeri Holcomb of Tousaint, Arizona. Her daughter Jada Thompson (Jerome Thompson) and Jerome Thompson have twin boys, Jaiden and Jerome (17 months).

In addition to her sister Renee, she is also survived by siblings Danika Green, Nelson Autrey and Samantha Cyprian, and many other family and friends.

Marian was a prolific writer for some of the nation’s most prestigious newspapers, including the Detroit Free Press, the Atlanta Journal Constitution and the Florida Sun-Sentinel.

“No double negatives,” said her daughter Jada as a word of caution from her mother. “My mother was an amazing journalist.”

She was also the founder of Cocowire, a community platform for the African American diaspora of Palm Beach County, established in 2017. According to Thompson, her mother once owned a jewelry and handicrafts business. She also worked as an executive assistant and the right arm for many noted local politicians, including Bishop Thomas Masters, former mayor of the City of Riviera Beach. Masters fondly recalls taking Marian to Africa, where he said she was the life of the party. “She was an amazing lady and I loved having her work along with me,” said Masters.

“An extended illness may have robbed her life, but certainly did not rob us of great memories of my sister,” said Renee Dozier. “You’re invited to celebrate her life with us.”