Dorothy Bloom

Dorothy Bloom, 103, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2014. Dorothy was born and raised in Central Arkansas, the sixth of nine children. Her life spanned almost the entire 20th Century, living through two World Wars, the Depression, the early beginnings of the automobile, silent movies, and the invention of radio and television. She outlived all of her siblings and most of her friends from her generation. Immediately following graduation, she took a job at Albert Bloom's Department Store at 6th and Center in downtown Little Rock. Albert Bloom had begun the business in the 1920's and it became a popular shopping destination for families in Little Rock and surrounding areas. Dorothy quickly became the top saleslady, not only impressing Albert Bloom, but his son, Sidney as well. The two eventually married before he was sent overseas during World War II. They remained devoted to each other for over 53 years until his death in 1997. Following Albert Bloom's death, Dorothy and Sidney continued to run Bloom's Store for many years, later opening Casual-Aire, a women's clothing shop, where they remained until their retirement. Dorothy treated each customer with individual attention; they knew she could be depended upon to help them find whatever looked best, no false flattery. She had so many loyal customers as well as employees whom she treated as part of her family. Throughout Dorothy's long life, she was a loving, devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her family always came first and for them, no sacrifice was too great. She will be tremendously missed by that family who loved her dearly. She is survived by a daughter, Loretta Norrell, son-in-law, John Norrell, grandson, Michael Norrell and great-grandson, Cody, all of Little Rock; nieces, Sue Thompson Jamell (Francis) of Little Rock, Lou Lipsmeyer of Conway, Dianne Gregg (Jim) of Potomac, Maryland and Judy Skinner (Don) of Maumelle; nephews, J.E. Waddle (Judy) of Houston, Arkansas and Mark Bloom (Susan) of New York City; and a very special cousin, Barbara Kazlowski (Mark) of Cedar Hill, Texas. Dorothy was a member of Temple B'nai Israel. Rabbi Barry Block will conduct graveside services today, Thursday, July 3 at 10 a.m. at Jewish Oakland Cemetery in Little Rock. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Dorothy's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.