Dora was born to the parentage of Hosea and Ruth Ella Braggs on November 18, 1935. She was the ninth of twelve children born to that union. She completed her academic skills at George Washington Carver in Seagoville, Texas. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of the Strong Arms Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Nathiel D. Wells until her health failed.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, John R. Harvey; Parents: Hosea and Ruth Ella Braggs; Brothers:; Hosea Braggs, Cedric Braggs, Alfred Braggs, William Braggs, and Charles Braggs; Sisters: Lillie Burrell, Martha Mims, and Azzie Lee Braggs; Beloved Son: Elbert Jones.

She was married to Herman Jones on October 19, 1953. He proceeded her in death on December 30, 2006. There were six children born to this union. She later met and married John R. Harvey, affectionately called "Joe" on June 19, 1967. Dora worked as a cook for many years. She worked diligently for years in service to house of worship. Dora was loved by many and she loved feeding friends and family. She leaves to cherish her memories, her brother Marvin Braggs Sr. of Seagoville, Texas and Clarence Robinson, sisters Ella Ruth Wooten of Seagoville, Texas, Bobbie Beed of Dallas, Texas and Judy Robinson; three sons Patrick Jones and Herman Jones of Seagoville, Texas, and Anthony Jones of Dallas, Texas; and daughters, Adra Harris, Gloria Branch and Sheila Jones, all of Dallas, Texas. She has forty-two grandchildren, sixty-six Great Grandchildren, thirteen Great-Great Grandchildren, many God-Children, and a host of relatives and friends.