Dorothy J. Croft-Emmerson

Dorothy Juanita Mason Banks Croft Emmerson, 91 was born October 4, 1932, in Stapleton, Virginia to the late Sylvester "Buck" and Sadie Horsley-Mason. She departed this life on August 8, 2023, at Hospice of Western Reserve in Euclid, Ohio. She was the oldest of three sisters, the older being a brother who died as an infant. Dorothy accepted Christ in her life at an early age and attended Fairmont Baptist Church in Stapleton, Virginia.

From (1950-1959) Dorothy was married to Raymond L. Banks Sr. They had three children: Brenda J. Thompson, Barbara L. Banks, and Raymond L Banks Jr. In 1957, they moved to Cleveland, Ohio after Raymond Sr found work in the Steel Mills. She later met Henry Croft Jr. through the church and married (1964-2000). From that union they had a son Gregory M Croft. Then in 2005-2018 she was married to June Emmerson, and they met while working in the Kirk Junior High School.

During her life, she was an active church member. At East Mt. Zion Baptist Church she was a member for 47 years and served on the Nurse's Guild and other areas of service. After her marriage to June, she became a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church where she served as a deaconess and remained a member for 18 years.

During Dorothy's work life, one of her first jobs was working in the restaurant inside Woolworth in Lynchburg, Va. Once she moved to Cleveland, she started her career in Cafeteria Services. First, Shaker Heights school, then East Cleveland Kirk Junior High School and finally to Shaw High School where she worked her way up to Head of Cafeteria Services. After 33 years she retired in 1991.

Along her life journey, she was involved in many Flower & Plant clubs where she won many ribbons for her plants and flowers. She loved to travel and loved to dress well, especially for church. Dorothy loved her Gospel and Jazz.

Dorothy was a member of the Stroke Club, a support group through the Stroke Association. She quite often donated her time, money, goods, and services to a list of organizations. And for 365 days a year...she was always on a diet. She believed in trying to eat balanced meal, cutting down on portions and restricting what and when to eat. The family use to tease her for her healthy cooking.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester, and Sadie Mason; sister, Carolyn Sorrells-Harper; two daughters, Brenda J. Thompson, and Barbara L. Banks; three stepchildren, Shirley Croft Smith, Melvin Croft, and June Emmerson Jr.; two nephews, Samuel "Puddin" W. Sorrells, and Barney L. Sorrells; three husbands; Raymond L. Banks Sr, Henry Croft Jr, and June Emmerson.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory: her sons, Raymond L. Banks Jr (Lynchburg, VA), Gregory M. Croft (Cleveland, OH), two stepchildren, Henry Croft I (Detroit, MI), and Diane Whitsett (Cleveland, OH); one sister, Mildred V. Banks-Edwards (Michigan); two nephews, Wilbert E. Banks Jr (Strongsville, OH), and John A. (Bridget) Banks (Battle Creek, MI); one niece, Pamela A. Banks (Indianapolis, IN); eight grandchildren, Gregory Broadwater, Caprice Thompson, Howard (Jeannetta) Thompson, Adrian (Candace) Thompson all of Cleveland, OH, Wayne Thompson II (Portland, OR), Maurice Banks, Harvey Allen II, and Bryant Allen all of Lynchburg, VA; 15 great-grandchildren, Adrian (Crystal), Me'Chelle, Antwanetta, Jerold, Caprice, Fantashae', Byron. Alexis, Symone, Adrian (Trey), Jakhare, Ciara, Sante' Bradley, Harvey Allen Ill, and Jalen Randolph; 12 great-great-grandchildren, Lil Adrian, Lil Jerold, Andre, Khamden, MiKeya, Za'Hari, Savoni, Neal, Nolan, Ava, Peyton, and Lil Greg; also, a number of sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, cousins and friends. A special mention to Dorothy's play daughter, Shirley Oldham, and goddaughters, Jewel Lane, and Shawn Singleton.