Dora Fernandes

Dora Belle (Tagger) Fernandes passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026.

Dora was born on April 23, 1947, in her family home in Aberdeen, Mississippi to the late Nathaniel Little & Sarah Tagger. Dora carried her southern roots and faith in God with her throughout her life. At just 16 years old, she bravely relocated to Brockton, Massachusetts where she met the love of her life, the late Wayne Hudson Fernandes. The two were married in 1966, beginning a partnership grounded in family, resilience, and devotion.

Dora was a pillar of her community, dedicating herself to her family and to the many roles she embraced over the years. She worked tirelessly as a homemaker, a trusted personal transportation driver, an activist and supporter of the community group, Our Positive Posse and a longtime lunch aide within the Brockton Public School system where she later retired. Her work was never just a job, it was an extension of her care for others.

If someone needed help, Dora was always there, no questions asked. Whether offering comfort, guidance, or a firm word. When necessary, she would show up with sincerity and love. Her wisdom often came wrapped in a sly remark or a no-nonsense talk, but it was always honest, heartfelt, and rooted in deep care for those she loved. Dora’s faith in God helped her to be that strong and resilient woman that she was. Dora will forever be remembered in the hearts and lives of those she touched.

Dora was preceded in death by her adored mother, Sarah; her beloved son Wayne- Dee Dee; her precious granddaughter, Milaan; her brothers Tom, James, Jacob, Jordan, and Eddie Tagger; and her sisters Sarah Ridgell, Rose-Anna Watson, Janet Bradshaw, and Edna May Simmons.

Dora leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved children: her four sons, The late Wayne Fernandes Jr, Larry Fernandes of Fall River, James Fernandes of Holbrook, Mark Fernandes of Fall River and George Harris of Brockton; and three daughters, Keona Fernandes-Jones and her son-in-law, J.C. Jones, of Brockton, Marcia Fernandes of Brockton, and Shacres Bradshaw of Stoughton. She was a proud and loving grandmother to 25 grandchildren and a treasured great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her sisters, Barbara-Jean Holland and Annie-Grace Thomas, both of Aberdeen, Mississippi, along with a host of extended family and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close.

Mom, sleep peacefully. Your love will live on in our hearts, today and always.

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