Dockett, Elsey James (Age 94) of Fort Washington, Maryland.

Obituary

As surely as God is love, Elsey James Howard Dockett was born in Pomonkey, Maryland on June 6, 1918 and was the oldest of six siblings. He was preceded in death by his mother and step-father Eliza and Edward Sims; one sister, Louise Atlee; three brothers Bobby, Raymond and Joe; one daughter Thelma Carter and twin sons Purnell and Cornell Johnson.

He received his early childhood education in the Charles County Public Schools and graduated from Pomonkey High School in Pomonkey, Maryland. After graduating from high school, Elsey began his career with the Federal Government at the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1948 and retired in 1973. A kindhearted spirit for others lead him to pursue his own taxi business for over 40 years and he also was a dedicated limousine driver for Duckett Limousine Service for many years. Elsey resided in the District of Columbia for over 60 years, and truly knew the city inside and out; he was the best GPS in town! He earned the love and respect of co-workers, family and friends through his integrity, loyalty and genuine concern for others.

Elsey professed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. Oftentimes he would share that he and his sister, Louise had to walk two miles to church and two miles back home, and the Pastor would come to their home for dinner after service, but Mama (his Grandmother Zelda) would not let us eat until after the Pastor left—"but we were hungry too," he'd say! He faithfully served with the United Methodist Men and the Choraleers at Metropolitan United Methodist Church for many years.

Many years later, he met and married Mary Geneva Chapman. This relationship flourished for 53 years. Affectionately called Dockett, Daddy, Elsey, Uncle Elsey, Grandpa and Mr. Dockett, he had a special way of touching others. Their home was always a wonderful gathering place for family and friends, no matter the hour and to partake in a wonderfully cooked meal, always available for you to enjoy your dining experience! Not only did he love to sing, he loved to dance also. In their basement he would put on Marvin Gaye's, "Keep on Dancing''; that song would get him started with dancing the two-step…his head high, and prancing away!

His guardian angel came and guided him peacefully home to be with the Lord on February 14, 2013. It is our honor to cherish his memory and live out his legacy: his devoted wife, Mary Geneva; three children; Walter (Denise), James (Barbara), Sandra (David); sister, Claudine Sims; son-in-law, Louis Carter, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Geneva Johnson; (18) grandchildren; (32) great-grandchildren; (8) great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; co-worker, Mazie Dovens and Gayle Magellan, neighbor Rose Ramsey for over 30 years, and a host of family and friends.

Viewing, 10am until time of Service, 11am, Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 3385 Metropolitan Church Road, Indian Head, Maryland.

Interment, Church Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to THORNTON Funeral Home, P.A., Indian Head, Maryland.