Elizabeth Dobson

Elizabeth Young Dobson, a retired Talbot County teacher, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 27, 2017, at The Pines-Genesis HealthCare, in Easton, Maryland. She was 99 years old. Mrs. Dobson, affectionately known as “Libby” to her friends, lived a blessed and fulfilled life as a wife, mother, teacher, mentor and trusted friend. Mrs. Dobson was born August 4, 1917, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to James G. Young Sr. and Mary J. Jackson Young. She was the last surviving sibling of that marriage, preceded in death by Charlotte McStallworth, Mary Finney, James G. Young Jr. and twins Robert Charles Young and Alice Lucille Young, who died in infancy. Mrs. Dobson joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Carlisle as a child. She attended public schools in Carlisle, and graduated from Carlisle High School. She went on to graduate from Shippensburg State Teachers College in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, earning a degree in elementary education. She later earned a master’s equivalency from Salisbury State College and the University of Maryland. Mrs. Dobson began her teaching career at Turner’s Station in Baltimore County. She later became a principal at Benjies Elementary School in Baltimore County. In 1943, she married the late William Edward Dobson, a young educator she met in the library at Morgan State College. Mr. Dobson, 90, passed in 2005. They were married for 62 years. Mrs. Dobson joined her husband in Easton. She taught in St. Michaels and later at White Marsh in Trappe, and Mount Pleasant and Idlewild in Easton. She retired in 1978 after 35 years of teaching. During her career, Mrs. Dobson served as mentor to many; especially encouraging young people to join the profession. Mrs. Dobson also enjoyed life outside of the classroom, primarily as a supportive wife and loving and committed mother to her sons, Vincent and Byron. She spent eight years as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts of Troop 119; she was a life member of the NAACP. At Asbury United Methodist Church, she served as chairwoman of outreach, Sunday school superintendent and teacher, president and treasurer of the Asbury United Methodist Women and was active in several church projects. She also was an ardent supporter and active member of the League of Women Voters, where she was a certified registrar of voters. She was a member and past president of the Car-Ken-Tal-Que-Dor Business and Professional Women’s Club; and she served on the board of directors of the American Cancer Society. She was an active member of the national, state and Talbot County retired teachers associations. Some of her most enjoyable time following retirement was spent as a member of the “Notables”, a close-knit group of retired women in the community. Mrs. Dobson also was a strong advocate for improving government services to “The Hill” neighborhood in Easton. She organized a small group of committed neighbors who successfully lobbied for storm water and sewer repairs at Higgins and South streets, which often experienced flooding. Mrs. Dobson was a strong supporter of the arts and had a passion for gardening, poetry, literature, singing and playing piano. Mrs. Dobson is survived two sons, Vincent E. Dobson and his wife, Sharrin, of Oak Park, Michigan; Byron E. Dobson and his wife, Florida, of Tallahassee, Florida; three grandchildren, Charlie B. Dobson of Flint, Michigan; James Edward Dobson of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Kwaku Osei-Bonsu of Oak Park, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her eldest grandson, Vincent E. Dobson Jr. of Baltimore. She also is survived by her sister-in-law Celeste Dobson of Hampton, Virginia, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her sons would like to thank Mrs. Hilda Wilson of Easton, the administrative and health-care staffs of the Homestead Unit at The Pines-Genesis HealthCare, the Asbury United Methodist Church family and friends of the family. If desired, memorial contributions can be made in her honor of Mrs. Elizabeth Dobson to Asbury United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1493, Easton, Maryland, 21601. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth Dobson, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Elizabeth Dobson

August 4, 1917 - February 27, 2017