Geraldine Rodetta Dorsey

Geraldine Rodetta Dorsey departed her earthly life surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Geraldine was affectionately known by family and friends as Rodetta.

She is survived by her two sons Ricky Dorsey of Frederick, MD and Leslie Dorsey of Mount Airy, MD; her last remaining sibling Richard “Joe” Simms (Beverly), of Greenville, SC; 12 grandchildren: Sharmeika Dorsey, Korienne Dorsey, Bameika Dorsey, Crystal Dorsey, Danielle Dorsey, Michael Dorsey, Dina Heart (Andrew), Marshela Coleman, Leslie Dorsey, Jr. (Felicia), Devonte Dorsey, Kayla Dorsey, Valerie Dorsey; 35 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her godchildren: Dorothy Brightful, Allan Dorsey, Jackie Jackson, Lawrence Brightful IV, Charlie Myers and Milton Bowens, Jr. For those who truly knew Rodetta, she probably has more godchildren. If we have forgotten any of you, please charge not listing your name to our minds, and not our hearts. And last, but never forgotten, her devoted Sister-In-Law Lucille Dorsey of Mt. Airy, MD, and her friend and caretaker Charmaine Tonsil of Hagerstown, MD.

Rodetta was preceded in death by her loving parents John and Mary Simms, Sr.; ten of her siblings and their spouses: Randolph Simms (Mary), Rose Simms, Irene Simms, Elizabeth Waters (Perry), Lucille Dotson, Charles Simms (Georgia), John Simms, Jr., Doris Myers (Herman), James Simms, Sr. (Edith), Joan Moore (Maurice) and Bernice Davis. She was also preceded in death by a number of nieces and nephews: Elise, Christopher, Veronica aka “Ronnie,” Nevel, Bonnie, Corey, Joyce, Melissa, Donna, Regina, Arthur, Randy, Gloria, Milton, Sr. and Kyle. She was also preceded by her husband Vincent and her devoted friend Rick. One grandson, Dwayne and two great granddaughters, Joelle and Janiyah.

Rodetta, was educated at Robert Moton a school for African American children, located in Westminster, MD. She worked for National Geographic in Darnestown, MD for over 30 years before retiring.

She truly enjoyed being a dedicated Eastern Star sister, which took up more than 30+ years of her life.

She loved traveling to the various states to visit her siblings. We aren’t sure if she spent more time visiting with her brother Joe in MA, AZ and CA, or with her sister Bernice in NY and Mt. Airy once she moved back to MD. We know she traveled to MS to see Charles and Philadelphia, PA to see Elizabeth. We also know she made pit stops at the casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Rodetta enjoyed many things in life, but I think two of her most enjoyable things she did was to play a card game of “hand & foot” and the game “Trouble.” She along with her sisters Lucille and Doris would spend hours upon hours playing these games. They played so much the images on the cards wore off, and popper stopped popping.

In lieu of flowers, please send a “Love Offering” to Simpson United Methodist Church where she was a devoted member for over 70 years. Rodetta continued to attend services and dedicated events until she could no longer attend the services due to her Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Make your check payable to: Simpson United Methodist Church. Message on memo line: Love Offering - Rodetta Dorsey. Drop off or mail your donation to 16901 Hardy Road, P.O. Box 522, Mt. Airy, MD 21771.

Pallbarers: Saul Davis, Lawrence Brightful IV, Robbie Dorsey, Donny Simms, William Hoy, Jr. , James Simms, Jr., Allan Dorsey and Lionel Jackson

Geraldine Rodetta Dorsey will lie in rest at: Arbutus Memorial Park, Inc. 1101 Sulphur Springs Road Baltimore, MD 21227-2789 Repast to immediately follow gravesite burial at the Simms family property located at 6932 Runkles Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771.

We can never convey the true words of thanks in our hearts, but to those who stopped by to visit, for those who offered kind words, warm hugs, kisses and wiped away our tears, provided meals, and even to family and friends who stepped up to help us through this devastating time. We truly thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Love, Ricky & Leslie

Momma,

We thought of you today. We thought of you yesterday, and the days before that too. We think of you in silence and often speak your name. Now all we have left are memories of you, and your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake with which we’ll never part. God has you in his safe keeping, while we have you in our hearts.

Funeral arrangements overseen by: Eline Funeral Home & Burrier-Queens Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A. 1212 W. Old Liberty Road Sykesville, MD 21784 (410) 795-0300