Biography: Delores Levant-Albert, the daughter of the late Lover Morris Brotherton and Mabel Goodman, was born August 9, 1938 in Lumberton, North Carolina the youngest of four sisters. She was raised in a family of thoughtful, considerate, and hardworking individuals. Her ethical and moral foundation would serve her well in the future. She attended and graduated from JH Hayswood High School in Lumberton, North Carolina in 1956. Delores would continue her education throughout her life, culminating in her PHD.
The talent that she and her sisters were blessed with manifested itself at an early age. They started performing as the “Brotherton Sisters” later becoming the “The Primettes”, recording with various artists.
Delores performed in numerous productions including the Wilson Pickett Revue, and the Newport Jazz Festival. There were several off-Broadway shows to her credit including; “The Wiz”, “Guys and Dolls”, and “Your Arms Too Short To Box With God”. She also has a litany of background vocals to her credit with Columbia and Atlantic records.
In addition to being a performer, Delores was a Licensed Practical Nurse, working at Jamaica Hospital and Long Island Jewish Hospital, all while raising 5 sons.
Delores loved to love on people. She stood ready to be a comfort, confidant, mentor, counselor and advisor whenever needed. She was also very feisty when required and wasn’t above “telling it like it is.” She always thought of the wellness of the whole individual. Her concern for others led her to professions that would demonstrate what she was all about.
She later became a teacher, working as a professor at Touro College and a music teacher, specializing in helping students with learning disabilities. On top of all of that, Delores was an inspirational speaker and an author. Her book, “Gal; What Took You So Long” is a collection of poetry and short stories. Never resting on her laurels,Delores was always busy participating, engaging and reinventing herself.
To say she couldn’t accomplish something was a challenge to dare her to succeed, and she always did. Once, at a family gathering, at the age of 77 Delores engaged in rock climbing…she could be stubborn with a challenge.Delores always believed in the Lord, Confessed and Accepted him.
Delores departed this earthly realm on January 6, 2020 at 10:38am. She was preceded by her sisters, Katie Brown, Anastein Gainous and Dorothea Anderson.
She leaves to mourn her passing, five sons, Stephen Brotherton-Levant, Victor Levant, Arthur Levant, Jeffrey Levant and Patrick Levant; Long time partner, Michael Max Fleming; three daughters in law, Valerie Levant, Elaine Levant and Michelle Levant; brother-in-law Charlie Brown; a host of Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
