'Fiercest Champion the HIV World Has Seen' Dies After COVID Battle

Deloris Dockrey, a longtime activist who spent her professional life lifting up those living with HIV, died from COVID-19 complications late last month, ABC News reports.

Dockrey worked for 15 years at the Hyacinth Foundation, which describe its mission as helping "people live with HIV, stop the spread of the epidemic, and serve as a critical voice in the public debate surrounding AIDS in New Jersey." Dockrey's most position at Hyacinth was director of clinical services.

"Deloris was the fiercest champion the HIV world has ever seen, particularly for women living with the virus," read a tweet from the Hyacinth Foundation. "She has mentored so many young women over the years, teaching and nurturing them as they grew and developed their skills."

The Jamaican native became HIV-positive in 1994 and soon became involved in helping others living with the disease. Dockrey obtained a master's degree in public health and served on various boards of HIV organizations, including several serving women living with HIV, like Positive Women's Network and the International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS. Dockrey also worked to battle HIV stigma, lobbying religious leaders on the dangers of ostracizing those with HIV, according to Poz.

Dockrey's years of work was recognized by many, including the governor of New Jersey.