In Memoriam

Our Statement on the Life & Legacy of Alberta L. Paul

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Alberta Paul

Saturday, October 11, 2025

Penn Branch Community Association Post Office Box 6730, Washington, DC 20020

To: The Family of Alberta Paul

Alberta Paul was a tireless champion for our Penn Branch neighborhood, our greater Ward 7 community, and the District of Columbia.

Alberta served multiple terms as Treasurer and President of our Penn Branch Community Association. She was instrumental in reestablishing the association as a non-profit (501c3). She frequently advocated for legislation and greater support for neighborhood infrastructure improvements—such as the 1997 Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Emergency Act of 1997. This bill gave seed funding for the first geological survey of the crumbling O Street Wall. It was fully rehabilitated in 1998.  

For nearly 30 years, Alberta chaired our neighborhood public works committee. She raised funds and led numerous neighborhood beautification projects. In 2003, Alberta helped Penn Branch Community Association to gain conservatorship of the triangular gateway park at the intersection of O Street SE and 3200 block of Carpenter Street SE, along Penn Avenue. The pocket park had sat for years in disrepair. Penn Branch was awarded funding to improve the Gateway Park and it renamed 9/11 Memorial Park to commemorate District of Columbia residents who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001

The impact of her selfless advocacy is immeasurable. Alberta Paul has linked many of her neighbors, and other Ward 7 residents, with critical city services. Her passion for helping others–especially our seniors and youth will be sorely missed. 

On behalf of the current executive board, our current members and all surviving past presidents of the Penn Branch Community Association, we wish to extend to you our deepest condolences to the family of Alberta Paul. 

No councilmember, no ANC, no mayor has loved our neighborhood more. Our neighborhood and Ward 7 community is undoubtedly better because she has lived –and served among us.

Sincerely,

Paul V. Grant, President (2022-2026)

Current Board Members
Paul V. Grant, President
Natiya Curtis, 1st Vice President
Christopher D. Morgan, 2nd Vice President
Kerry Neal, Treasurer
Lori Palmer, Parliamentarian



Former PBCA Presidents
Stan Benton,
 Jacqueline Cannon,
Jimmie Williams,
Rhoma Battle,
Richard Hawkins,
Laura Richards
Wilford Gourdine,
Anita Hammond

Penn Branch Mourns of Passing of Alberta Paul, Former PBCA President & Chair, Public Works Committee

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In Memoriam: Alberta Paul, September 29, 1950 – September 27, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we share that our beloved neighbor and friend, Ms. Alberta Paul passed away earlier today. She had been in recovery following a medical procedure earlier this week.

Alberta Paul has been a dogmatic champion for our Penn Branch neighborhood. She served as president of the Penn Branch Community Association (PBCA) for 10 years. As president, she re-establish Penn Branch Citizens/ Civic Association as a non-profit and was instrumental in getting the city to pass emergency legislation to maintain the O Street Street (Retaining) Wall in 1997. She frequently raised funds and coordinated volunteer efforts to improve 9/11 Memorial Park, located at the gateway of our neighborhood. After serving as President, Alberta was Chair of our neighborhood Public Works Committee for much of the last twenty five years. In this capacity she led many beautification projects and also helped many neighbors and as well as other Ward 7 residents to gain better access to city services. She was also lifelong advocate for youth and senior citizens in our community.

Alberta retired from District Depart of Transportation (DDOT) last fall after many years of distinguished service. She championed investing in youth, cultivating the next generation of community leadership, and greater support for seniors. Her friendship, service, and her tireless advocacy for Penn Branch, Ward 7, and our city will be greatly missed.

A Champion for Penn Branch Neighborhood

From Left: Donna Cooper (PEPCO Regional President) and PBCA Public Works Chair Alberta Paul and President Stan Benton Receive 25K Award-
Alberta Paul at National Night Out Event
Alberta Paul spearheads 9-11 Park Clean up Event

Funeral Service for Ms. Alberta Paul

Date:
Saturday, October 11, 2025 

Wake:
9:30AM -11:00AM

Funeral Service:
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM 

 Location:
Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church 3000 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Washington, DC 20020

Final Interment:
Cedar Hill Cemetery 4111 Pennsylvania Ave Suitland, MD 20746

 Send cards to:
3721 Carpenter Street SE WDC, 20020

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family please visit: Pope Funeral Home Sympathy Store.

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Leaf Collection Schedule

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DC Leaf Collection Fall 2021

The DC Department of Public Works has announced its leaf season collection schedule for 2021-2022.

The estimated pick-up periods for the Penn Branch neighborhood are November 29 to December 4 (first pick up) and January 10 to January 15 (second pick up). Residents are asked to rake leaves into the nearest tree box the Sunday­ before the scheduled pick up. Leaves should not be raked into the street or into city or federal parkland. You can find more information on the DC leaf season pick up schedule at the following link: https://dpw.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dpw/service_content/attachments/2021-2022%20Leaf%20Brochure.pdf

In Memoriam (Week of January 8, 2021)

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Bobby Chandler, Jr and his sister Jeanarta McEachron

This week we are sad to report the loss of two long-time Penn Branch residents:

•On December 30th, Mr. Charles G. Dorse, Sr. of Highwood Drive passed away¬.
Mr. Dorsey and his wife Joe have been residents of Penn Branch for over 40 years. In addition to being actively involved in the community, Mr. Dorsey was known for knocking on neighbors’ doors every New Year’s morning with a hug and Happy New Year greeting. This year, his son, Charles Jr., knocked on doors and said he knows his father would want the tradition to continue.

Bobby Chandler, Jr and his sister Jeanarta McEachron
Bobby Chandler, Jr and his sister Jeanarta McEachron

• Robert “Bobby Chandler” Jr. passed away on January 5th after a long illness. Bobby grew up in Penn Branch and returned to our neighborhood two years ago.

 

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Memoriam: Mrs. Gladys Dorn-Hall, 3100 Block of O Street, SE

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Long-time resident and Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association (PBCCA) Member, Mrs. Gladys Dorn-Hall of the 3100 Block of O Street, made her transition on Tuesday, February 4, 2020.

Mrs. Dorn-Hall will forever be remembered for her dedication, community involvement, and feistiness. She was a very active participant in the PBCCA until her illness last year.

Our prayers and condolences to her son Keith, family and friends. She lived life with love and vigor.

Mrs. Gladys Dorn-Hall will lie in state at McGuire Funeral Home, 7400 Georgia Ave., NW, Washington, DC on Saturday, February 15, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Service at 11:00 a.m. 

Interment  – Clear Hill Cemetery

Flowers can be sent to the Funeral Home

The PBCCA Board

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