Edna Nealy Dorsey

EDNA NEALY DORSEY was born July 14, 1933, in Winter Garden, Florida. She was the fourth of seven children born to John and Minnie Nealy. She was educated at Bell Glade High School and briefly attended Florida A & M College; before having to return home due to illness. Her f irst significant job was at Florida Power Company and then she relocated to Maryland to pursue an education and career in nursing. Edna attended the Henryton State School of Nursing in Carroll County, Maryland where Sunday morning worship was mandatory. A dedicated Christian, she became a member of Union Bethel AME Church in 1957 where she met the late Mrs. Ruth Crowner Dorsey, who inspired her in African Methodism. After graduating from nursing school, Sister Edna married Brother William Dorsey, and from that union they had one son, John Dorsey. Edna worked as a professional nurse at Mt. Wilson State Hospital in Baltimore County for 25 years before transferring to Spring Grove Hospital in Catonsville, Maryland where she retired after 46 years of service with the State of Maryland. While actively engaged in her nursing career, she also served in the Nurses Ministry at Union Bethel AME Church. During her 68 years at Union Bethel, Sister Dorsey served under nine pastors and participated in every ministry in which she could possibly serve. She was consecrated by Bishop Vinton R. Anderson as Deaconess, served as YPD Director and was President of Class Leaders for 25 years. Sister Dorsey was delighted to sing in the Sanctuary Choir, serve on the Stewardess Board; be a Life Member of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) and represent the Washington Conference Branch WMS as a Member at-Large. Sister Dorsey also served in the Washington Conference Lay Organization and was one of the founding members of the Union Bethel lay organization. In 2022, the Union Bethel Lay Organization was named The Dorsey’s and Bosley Lay Organization in honor of the founding members. Most of all, Sister Dorsey loved her Senior Outreach Ministry, and she loved her church. In March 2025, Sister Dorsey was one of five ladies to receive the Women of Distinction Award given by the Union Bethel Commission on Political and Social Action. Sister Edna N. Dorsey was preceded in death by her husband, the late William Dorsey and she is survived by her son, John William Dorsey. She also leaves to cherish her memory: two grandsons, Jonathan and Anthony Washington of Baltimore, MD; sister, Alice Johnson of Clewiston, FL; sister in-law, Danette Nealy of Parkville, MD; a host of nieces and nephews; and an abundance of church family and friends. We praise and thank GOD for the life of Sister Edna Nealy Dorsey

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Edna Nealy Dorsey

July 14, 1933 - July 29, 2025